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Joe Locke – Biography, Career and Personal Life

Henry Harry Carter Davies • 2026-07-01 • Reviewed by Maya Thompson

Joe Locke, born Joseph William Locke on 24 September 2003, is a Manx actor from Douglas, Isle of Man. He rose to international fame playing Charlie Spring in Netflix’s Heartstopper and has since built a career spanning stage, television, and film. This article covers his age, height, background, filmography, social media presence, and what lies ahead.

Who is Joe Locke?

Full Name Joseph William Locke
Known For Charlie Spring in Heartstopper
Birthdate 24 September 2003
Nationality Manx (Isle of Man)

Key insights about Joe Locke

  • Locke made his professional acting debut at age 17, winning the lead role in Heartstopper after an open casting call that drew 10,000 applicants.
  • He won a Queerty Award for Performance – TV in 2023 and a Children’s and Family Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Performance in 2026.
  • In 2024 he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Billy Maximoff / William Kaplan in Agatha All Along.
  • He has more than 3.7 million followers on Instagram (@joelocke03).
  • Locke is an LGBTQ+ activist who successfully campaigned for a change in the Isle of Man’s blood donation policy for gay men.

Joe Locke at a glance

Fact Value
Age 22 (born 2003)
Height 5′ 9″ (1.75 m)
Birthplace Douglas, Isle of Man
First major role Charlie Spring, Heartstopper (2022)
Instagram followers 3.7 million+
Notable award Children’s and Family Emmy Award (2026)

What movies and TV shows has Joe Locke been in?

Locke’s filmography is relatively short but already diverse, spanning Netflix series, a Marvel miniseries, Broadway, and the West End. He is best known for his portrayal of Charlie Spring in Heartstopper, which premiered in 2022 and earned him widespread critical praise.

In 2024, he played Billy Maximoff / William Kaplan in the Disney+ series Agatha All Along, a spin‑off of WandaVision. That same year he made his Broadway debut as Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, earning a Broadway.com Audience Award nomination for Favorite Replacement (Male).

Broadway and beyond

Locke’s Broadway debut in Sweeney Todd in 2024 marked a significant step into live theatre. He subsequently made his London West End debut in September 2025 in the UK premiere of Clarkston, playing the role of Jake.

He also performed in the stage play The Trials in 2023, for which he won a WhatsOnStage Award for Best Professional Debut Performance.

Upcoming projects

  • Heartstopper Forever (post‑production) – a feature‑length finale to the series, in which Locke will also serve as an executive producer.
  • Black Church Bay (post‑production) – playing the character Jasper.
  • Elsinore (2026) – a film starring alongside Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman, directed by Ian Charleson.

His role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe appears to be a recurring one, though further details have not been officially confirmed.

Who are Joe Locke’s parents and what is his ethnicity?

Locke was born and raised in Douglas, Isle of Man, a self‑governing British Crown Dependency. He is ethnically Manx, a term that refers to the people of the Isle of Man. No authoritative sources have publicly named his parents or confirmed their professions.

He has a stepbrother named Dylan Goldie, according to several biographical references. Locke attended Ballakermeen High School and, as of April 2022, was studying for A‑Level exams in politics, history, and English.

Family privacy

Locke has kept details about his parents and siblings largely private. The name of his stepbrother, Dylan Goldie, appears in some sources but has not been independently verified by the actor.

Activism and advocacy

While in high school, Locke and fellow students submitted a petition to welcome Syrian refugees to the Isle of Man. In 2022 he publicly called for changes to the island’s blanket ban on blood donations from gay men. Health Minister Lawrie Hooper subsequently announced a policy change.

How can I find Joe Locke on social media?

Locke’s primary social media presence is on Instagram, where his account @joelocke03 has more than 3.7 million followers. He uses the platform to share career updates, behind‑the‑scenes content, and advocacy messages.

He does not maintain a publicly verified TikTok account. A Facebook page exists under his name, but its official status is unclear.

Beware of impersonators

Fans should only follow the verified Instagram account @joelocke03 and be cautious of unofficial fan pages or accounts claiming to represent the actor on other platforms.

Joe Locke Career Timeline

  1. : Born in Douglas, Isle of Man.
  2. : Cast as Charlie Spring in Netflix’s Heartstopper after an open casting call.
  3. : Heartstopper Season 1 released; Locke gains international fame.
  4. : Wins a Queerty Award for Performance – TV and a WhatsOnStage Award for The Trials.
  5. : Joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Agatha All Along and makes his Broadway debut in Sweeney Todd.
  6. : Announced as executive producer for Heartstopper Forever and makes London West End debut in Clarkston.
  7. : Wins a Children’s and Family Emmy Award and is cast in the film Elsinore alongside Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman.

What is known and unknown about Joe Locke?

Established information Information that remains unclear
Birthdate: 24 September 2003 Names and professions of his parents
Manx nationality and British citizenship Specific ethnic background beyond Manx (e.g., Irish, English)
Height: 5′ 9″ (1.75 m) Exact net worth (estimates range from hundreds of thousands to low millions of USD)
Lead role as Charlie Spring in Heartstopper Whether his Marvel role will extend beyond Agatha All Along
Instagram followers: over 3.7 million No official Forbes 30 Under 30 listing as of 2026

Why does Joe Locke’s career matter?

Locke’s breakthrough in Heartstopper brought mainstream visibility to a tender, authentic LGBTQ+ teen story. The series has been praised for its representation and its impact on young audiences. Locke, who is openly gay, has become a role model for many.

His rapid transition from a teen drama lead to Broadway and the Marvel Cinematic Universe demonstrates a versatility that is rare for actors his age. Industry recognition, including a Children’s and Family Emmy Award and a Queerty Award, underscores his growing reputation.

With more than 3.7 million Instagram followers, Locke also commands significant social media influence. His advocacy work – particularly on blood donation policy and refugee support – adds a layer of public‑interest depth to his profile. Other young actors like Will Poulter and Joe Keery have followed similar paths from television to film and franchise work.

Where can I find Joe Locke’s official profiles?

The most authoritative sources of verified information about Joe Locke are his Wikipedia page and his IMDb profile. His Instagram account @joelocke03 is his only confirmed social media channel.

Additional details about his theatre work can be found on BroadwayWorld. The official Netflix page for Heartstopper provides updates on the series.

“Joseph William Locke (born 24 September 2003) is a Manx actor. He is known for his lead role as high school student Charlie Spring in the Netflix teen series Heartstopper (2022).”

— Wikipedia

“Locke’s career trajectory is marked by a rapid rise from a 17‑year‑old newcomer to an Emmy‑winning actor with Broadway and Marvel experience.”

— BroadwayWorld

What is next for Joe Locke?

Locke is currently working on several high‑profile projects. Heartstopper Forever, a feature‑length finale to the series, is in post‑production. He will also appear in the film Black Church Bay and Elsinore alongside Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman. His theatre work continues, and he is expected to take on more diverse roles as his career matures. His social media following and award recognition suggest further industry momentum in the years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joe Locke

What is Joe Locke’s real name?

His full name is Joseph William Locke, but he is professionally known as Joe Locke.

How tall is Joe Locke in feet and inches?

He is 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) tall.

Does Joe Locke have a brother or sister?

He has a stepbrother named Dylan Goldie, according to some sources.

What is Joe Locke’s net worth?

No official figure is available; estimates range from hundreds of thousands to low millions of USD.

Is Joe Locke in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Yes, he played Billy Maximoff / William Kaplan in the Disney+ series Agatha All Along (2024).

What is Joe Locke’s nationality?

He is Manx and holds British citizenship.

When is Joe Locke’s birthday?

His birthday is 24 September 2003.

What role does Joe Locke play in Heartstopper?

He plays Charlie Spring, the lead character.

Does Joe Locke have a TikTok?

He does not have a publicly verified TikTok account.

What is Joe Locke’s email or contact?

His contact information is not publicly available.

Additional sources

datelineuk.co.uk

Henry Harry Carter Davies

About the author

Henry Harry Carter Davies

Coverage is updated through the day with transparent source checks.