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Harris Dickinson: From 'Beach Rats' to 'Triangle of Sadness'
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Harris Dickinson, born on June 24, 1996 in Leytonstone, East London, is a rising English actor who has garnered critical acclaim for his versatile performances in film and television. From his breakout role in "Beach Rats" to starring in major productions like "Triangle of Sadness" and "The Iron Claw," Dickinson has quickly established himself as a talented and sought-after actor in Hollywood.

 

Dickinson's London Roots and Upbringing

themoviedb.org
themoviedb.org
Harris Dickinson was born on June 24, 1996, in Leytonstone, East London, and grew up in nearby Highams Park.
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His childhood was marked by challenges, as his family's proximity to a highway made them targets for crime. Dickinson recalled, "Our car got stolen a few times, and our house got burgled. Someone robbed a bank once, ran up the road, and held a gun up to my mum's head."
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He attended Ravensbourne School and worked various part-time jobs from age 14, including teaching kids, working in a cafe, and hotel work.
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Initially interested in joining the Royal Marines, Dickinson was part of the Marine cadets from age 14, which he said gave him a sense of purpose.
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However, he was simultaneously pursuing acting, though he never imagined it would become his career.
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Dickinson's Early Career and Breakthrough in 'Beach Rats'

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Harris Dickinson's passion for acting began at a young age, joining a theater program at 15 and feeling he had discovered his vocation.
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He dropped out of school at 17 to focus on his budding acting career, working in a bar while auditioning.
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Dickinson's breakthrough came with his lead role in Eliza Hittman's critically acclaimed film "Beach Rats" (2017), where he played Frankie, a Brooklyn teenager struggling with his sexuality.
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The role required Dickinson to master a Brooklyn accent, which he achieved through extensive research and recording voice notes.
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His compelling performance in "Beach Rats" showcased his ability to portray complex characters with subtlety and depth, earning him significant critical acclaim and establishing him as a promising talent in the industry.
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Rising English Actor (Photos)

 

Dickinson's Notable Film Roles

Harris Dickinson has built an impressive filmography since his breakthrough role in "Beach Rats" in 2017. His versatility as an actor is evident in the diverse range of projects he has been involved in, spanning various genres and mediums. Here's a concise overview of some of his notable works:
YearTitleRole
2017Beach RatsFrankie
2018Trust (TV series)John Paul Getty III
2019Maleficent: Mistress of EvilPrince Philip
2021The King's ManConrad Oxford
2022Triangle of SadnessCarl
2022Where the Crawdads SingChase Andrews
2023The Iron ClawDavid Von Erich
2023A Murder at the End of the World (TV series)Bill Farrah
Dickinson's filmography showcases his ability to take on a variety of roles, from period pieces to contemporary dramas, demonstrating his range and versatility as an actor.
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Critical Acclaim and Award Nominations

Harris Dickinson has received significant critical acclaim and award recognition for his performances in various films and television series. The following table highlights some of his notable nominations and awards:
AwardProjectYearResult
Independent Spirit Award for Best Male LeadBeach Rats2018Nominated
Gotham Independent Film Award for Breakthrough ActorBeach Rats2017Nominated
BAFTA Film Award for EE Rising StarThe King's Man2022Nominated
British Academy Television Award for Best Supporting ActorA Murder at the End of the World2024Nominated
Dickinson's performances have consistently garnered praise from critics, particularly for his roles in "Beach Rats," "Triangle of Sadness," and "The Iron Claw." His ability to portray complex characters with depth and nuance has established him as a respected actor in both independent and mainstream productions.
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Versatile English Performer (Interviews)

 

Harris Dickinson's Captivating Role as Carl in 'Triangle of Sadness'

collider.com
collider.com
In "Triangle of Sadness," Harris Dickinson delivers a captivating performance as Carl, a fading male model grappling with insecurity and societal expectations. The film, directed by Ruben Östlund, explores themes of social struggle and power dynamics through Carl's experiences.
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Dickinson's portrayal embodies the comedy and vulnerability of his character, effectively supporting the film's satirical narrative.
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The actor's commitment to the role is evident in his preparation, which included an amusing misunderstanding where he initially researched car mechanics instead of modeling.
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Dickinson's performance in this Cannes Palme d'Or-winning film further solidified his reputation as a versatile actor capable of tackling complex, nuanced roles in both independent and mainstream productions.
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Harris Dickinson in 'A Murder at the End of the World'

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In the FX miniseries "A Murder at the End of the World," Harris Dickinson portrays Bill Farrah, a character who discovered his first taste of freedom in the early days of the internet.
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The show, created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, features Dickinson alongside a star-studded cast including Emma Corrin, Clive Owen, and Brit Marling herself.
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Set in a tech billionaire's secluded retreat, the series follows Detective Darby Hart (Emma Corrin) as she investigates a murder among the retreat's eccentric guests.
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Dickinson's performance in this mystery thriller earned him a nomination for the British Academy Television Award for Best Supporting Actor, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and talented actor.
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Dickinson's Physical Transformation for 'The Iron Claw'

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For his role as David Von Erich in "The Iron Claw," Harris Dickinson underwent a significant physical transformation alongside his co-stars. While Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White had to achieve extremely lean and muscular physiques, Dickinson's approach was slightly different. He explained that since David wasn't as ripped as the other brothers, he "didn't have to be as ripped" and could eat what he wanted.
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However, Dickinson still had to bulk up, eating much more food than usual and lifting heavy weights to get bigger for the role.
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The transformation process for the cast involved intense training and diet regimens, with Efron describing it as "disappearing for seven or eight months" to focus on the physical preparation.
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Dickinson's look for the film also included wearing a wig, which was carefully applied and secured for safety during wrestling scenes.
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Harris Dickinson's Private Life and Passions

Harris Dickinson maintains a relatively private personal life, but it is known that he is in a long-term relationship with musician Rose Gray. The couple reportedly lives together in London and has been dating since their teenage years.
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Dickinson has collaborated with Gray professionally, directing music videos for her songs "Afraid of Nothing" and "Blue."
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Outside of acting, Dickinson pursues creative interests in writing and directing. He has directed several short films and is developing a feature film, showcasing his multifaceted talents in the entertainment industry.
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Dickinson's commitment to privacy and focus on his craft contribute to his reputation as a dedicated and versatile artist.
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Closing Thoughts

Harris Dickinson has quickly established himself as a versatile and talented actor in both drama films and larger projects. Critics have praised his ability to fully embody complex characters, as seen in his breakout role in "Beach Rats" and more recent performances in "Triangle of Sadness" and "The Iron Claw".
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Dickinson's willingness to take on challenging roles across different genres demonstrates his commitment to his craft. As he continues to take on diverse film projects, from independent dramas to big-budget productions, Dickinson is cementing his reputation as one of the most promising young actors of his generation.
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His nominations for prestigious awards like the BAFTA Rising Star and Independent Spirit Award further highlight the critical acclaim he has garnered in a relatively short career.
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Related
What upcoming projects is Harris Dickinson involved in
How did Harris Dickinson's role in "Triangle of Sadness" impact his career
What are some of the awards Harris Dickinson has won
How did Harris Dickinson's experience in "The King's Man" differ from his other roles
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