Billy Harris (actor)

Billy Harris is an English actor. He appears as Colin Hughes in all seasons of the Apple TV+ television show Ted Lasso.

Billy Harris
Harris in 2023
BornApril 12, 1994 (age 29)
Southend-on-Sea, England
NationalityEnglish
Alma materBristol Old Vic Theatre School
OccupationActor
Years active2013–present
Notable workTed Lasso

Career

He was a student of theatre at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School from 2014 and 2017. After graduation Harris appeared in a wide number of stage roles.[1][2]

Influences

Harris has cited Marlon Brando as an acting inspiration. He emulated Brando in a performance of his speech from the Joseph L. Mankiewicz film Julius Caesar in an unsuccessful audition and it helped him find his own voice as an actor.[3] He has also expressed admiration for actor Anthony Hopkins and his philosophy on preparing for a role.[4]

Early Roles

Harris started out in commercials, notably one for Nike starring Kevin Durant.[5] He then had a few small parts in short films and web series. Harris' first lead role was as Callum McGregor in a stage adaptation of the Noughts & Crosses novel series by author Malorie Blackman, OBE. The play was also directed by Blackman.[6]

Ted Lasso and other work
Billy Harris on March 20, 2023 in the Oval Office of the White House

Harris appears in the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso as Welsh winger Colin Hughes.[7] He was part of the recurring cast in the first and second seasons, and was upped to series regular for season 3.[8] He received praise for his portrayal of Hughes when it was revealed that the character was gay and closeted,[9] especially from LGBTQ+ fans.[10][11][12] Co-creator of Ted Lasso, Brendan Hunt said “Billy's been really amazing in this part" as the series discusses issues such as male vulnerability and homosexuality which are still taboo in the world of association football.[13][14]

Harris had a small role in the BBC One series The Outlaws in 2022.[15][16] His upcoming projects include voice acting in an animated show by writer and previous collaborator, Elliot Blake.[17]

Personal life

Harris is from Southend, Essex[3] and he has a sister. He is a fan of Manchester United F.C.[18]

Selected filmography
Key
Not yet released Denotes works that have not yet been released
Year Title Role Notes
2020–present Ted Lasso Colin Hughes Recurring role (seasons 1–2), main role (season 3)
2022 The Outlaws Posh Boy 1 episode

References
  1. "Billy Harris". Oldvic.ac.uk. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  2. Anne, Quimberly (April 1, 2023). "Things You Probably Didn't Know About 'Ted Lasso' Actor Billy Harris". Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  3. Riley, Jenelle (2023-04-19). "'Ted Lasso' Star Billy Harris Talks Colin's Big Episode: 'I've Read Pretty Much Every Tweet'". Variety. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
  4. "Billy Harris - 1883 Magazine". 2023-04-19. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
  5. Kevin Durant Investigates - Footlocker / Nike Advert: Extended Version, retrieved 2023-04-20
  6. Bowman, Jamie (February 15, 2019). "Meet the young actor bringing teenage classic Noughts & Crosses to the stage". The Leader. pp. 2–3. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  7. Greenall, Jonathon (March 15, 2023). "Who does Billy Harris play in 'Ted Lasso?'". We Got This Covered. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  8. Ted Lasso (TV Series 2020– ) - IMDb, retrieved 2023-04-12
  9. Porter, Rick (2023-04-19). "'Ted Lasso': Billy Harris on Colin's "Armor" and Desire to Live a Complete Life After Pivotal Episode". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
  10. "'Ted Lasso's Billy Harris Is Quietly Breaking Barriers". Out Magazine. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
  11. "Ted Lasso season 3's Billy Harris on Colin's groundbreaking gay storyline". British GQ. 2023-04-19. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
  12. Ettenhofer, Valerie (2023-04-19). "Ted Lasso Season 3 Offers A Perfect Monologue About Coming Out". /Film. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
  13. Rutkowski, Laura (March 28, 2023). "Ted Lasso's Brendan Hunt explains power of gay footballer storyline". Radio Times. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  14. Kalbrosky, Bryan (March 29, 2023). "Why everyone is talking about Ted Lasso's first LGBTQ+ character". ftw.usatoday. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  15. "The Outlaws". Comedy.co.uk. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  16. Hibbs, James (April 3, 2023). "Ted Lasso season 3 cast: Meet the stars of Apple TV+ comedy". Radio Times. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  17. Blake, Elliot (April 19, 2023). "I can't wait for you to hear him in the new animated show I'm producing". Twitter. Retrieved April 19, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  18. "When the stars of Ted Lasso came to Old Trafford". www.manutd.com. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
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