Joseph Morgan was born in London, England, and spent his childhood in Swansea, Wales, where he grew up with his family. As a teenager, Morgan moved back to London to pursue his passion for acting, enrolling in the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama.
After graduating from Central School, Morgan landed his first major role in the 2003 film "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World," opposite Russell Crowe. This early success led to further opportunities, including a supporting role in Oliver Stone's "Alexander" and a stint on the British stage in the West End of London.
Morgan's early television credits include appearances in BBC miniseries such as "The Line of Beauty" and "Henry VIII," as well as roles in "Doc Martin" and "Mansfield Park." He also worked on the Harmony Korine-directed film "Mister Lonely," playing a James Dean impersonator.
In 2009, Morgan landed the leading role in the miniseries "Ben Hur," based on the classic novel and film. This role marked a significant turning point in his career, and he went on to appear in a range of film and television projects, including the independent drama "Angels Crest" and the big-budget film "Immortals," alongside Mickey Rourke.
Morgan's breakthrough role came in 2010, when he was cast as "Klaus" in the CW hit series "The Vampire Diaries." He played the character for two seasons before being offered a spin-off show, "The Originals," which centered around his character and ran for five seasons. During his time on the show, Morgan received numerous nominations and won the People's Choice award for favorite actor in a new show.
In addition to his acting work, Morgan has also ventured into directing, helming three episodes of "The Originals" and receiving a positive response from colleagues and critics alike. He has also co-founded a production company with his wife and creative partner, Persia White, which has produced several short films, including "Revelation" and "Carousel," both of which have won awards at various film festivals.
Morgan has continued to work in television, appearing as a series regular in shows such as "Brave New World," "Titans," and "Halo." With his impressive range and versatility, he has established himself as a talented and sought-after actor in the entertainment industry.
