Northwater — Trailer
Eli Marsden · Sundance / A24 · 2026
Actor · London / Los Angeles
James Cole
A face built for the long take.
About
A craftsman of stillness and weight.
James Cole is a British-American actor whose work moves between independent cinema, prestige television, and the stage. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he is drawn to characters who reveal themselves slowly — men shaped by what they choose not to say.
His recent screen credits include the Sundance-selected feature Northwater, the BBC limited series The Quiet Hour, and the A24 short Marrow, for which he received the Locarno Pardo for Best Performance.
He divides his time between London and Los Angeles, and is currently in pre-production on a feature with director Lila Anand. Representation available below.
Selected Credits
Film
- 2026NorthwaterEli Marsdendir. Lila Anand
- 2025MarrowThe Brotherdir. Cassian Vey
- 2024Halfway HouseDanieldir. Margaux Lin
- 2022A Quiet CountryOwendir. Tomas Reiner
Television
- 2025The Quiet HourDCI Aiden Vale (lead)BBC One / HBO
- 2024Pale HorseJonah Reece (recurring)AMC
- 2023InheritanceMichael (guest lead)Apple TV+
Theatre
- 2024Long Day's Journey Into NightEdmund TyroneAlmeida Theatre · dir. Rebecca Frecknall
- 2022A View from the BridgeRodolphoYoung Vic · dir. Ivo van Hove
- 2021HamletLaertesRSC · dir. Greg Doran
Showreel
Two minutes, in his own time.
Selected Work
Videos
The Quiet Hour — Episode One
DCI Aiden Vale · BBC One / HBO · 2025
Marrow — Short Film
The Brother · Locarno Pardo, Best Performance · 2025
Halfway House — Scene
Daniel · Mubi · 2024
Untitled Feature
TBA · In post-production · 2026
Stage Reel
Theatre selections · RSC · Almeida · Young Vic · 2024
Headshots
In light, in shadow.
Training & Skills
The work behind the work.
Training
2014 — 2017
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), BA Acting
2018
Stella Adler Studio of Acting, New York — Summer Conservatory
2019
BADC Stage Combat, Advanced Certification
2021
Meisner Intensive with Scott Williams, The Impulse Company
Ongoing
Voice work with Patsy Rodenburg
Skills
Accents
- RP
- Estuary
- Yorkshire
- Irish (Dublin)
- General American
- New York
- Boston
Movement
- Stage Combat (Advanced)
- Boxing
- Horseback Riding
- Contemporary Dance
Languages
- English (native)
- French (conversational)
- Italian (basic)
Music & Voice
- Baritone
- Piano (intermediate)
- Voice-over
Licenses
- Full UK & US driving
- Motorcycle
- Firearms safety
Contact