Finn Cole – Esher Sixth Form College

Film and Television Actor

We have been very fortunate to have Finn Cole return a few times since leaving Esher Sixth Form College in 2014.

Finn is always happy to share his experiences of working in the film industry with our students and ran a drama audition workshop as part of their progression pathway studies. He told the group about his open audition for Peaky Blinders, when he couldn’t afford the train ticket to Birmingham, so instead filmed a couple of scenes on his phone and sent them off to his agent. The rest is history – he was cast as Michael Gray, and the drama aired over six series and won a BAFTA for best drama series in 2018 as well as two National television awards.

What did you study at Esher Sixth Form College?

I studied Theatre Studies, English Language and Economics A Levels.

What did you do after leaving Esher?

While I was at Esher, I was working on my first professional acting role in Peaky Blinders. Since then, I have been able to maintain a body of work in an unpredictable yet exciting business.

I have appeared in An Inspector Calls with Ken Stott, an American production Animal Kingdom with Ellen Barkin and Dreamland with Margot Robbie. I was the lead in a Simon Pegg and Nick Frost picture – Slaughterhouse Rulez and this year I have been busy shooting a new film Last Breath starring alongside Woody Harrelson.

I have also done some work with another former Esher student – Izzy Loughland, who left in 2009.

I have had fantastic opportunities and been lucky enough to work with some of my greatest idols.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to carry on working as much as possible. I never know where I’ll be in the next few months or what I’ll be doing, which both terrifies me and excites me.

What advice would you give your 16 year old?

If I could go back and speak to myself as an aspiring actor I’d say – chill. No rush. Stay creative, confident and learn from every possible experience. Know your place. Know your worth…Oh, and friends and family are more important than anything. Good luck!