Joseph Morgan Biography

Joseph Morgan was born Joseph Martin on May 16, 1981, in London, England, to painter Nick Martin and Sarah as their oldest child. He has one sister Crystal and one brother Jack.

While striving to make a mark in television, he forayed into the big screen. The Academy Awards winning all male cast American film ‘Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World’ that released on November 14, 2003, saw him playing the supporting role of William Warley, Captain of the Mizzentop.

The BBC Four television play ‘Kenneth Williams: Fantabulosa!’ that released on March 13, 2006, saw him playing the role of Alfie. The following year he became part of the British TV film ‘Mansfield Park’ playing the role of William Price.

His first starring role came in 2010, with the TV miniseries ‘Ben Hur’. The series that was based on the 1880, novel ‘Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ’ by Lew Wallace saw Morgan playing the titular role of a wealthy Jerusalem merchant Judah Ben-Hur/Sextus Arrius.

After almost a decade in show business, in 2011, Morgan landed up with his breakthrough role of Klaus Mikaelson in the American supernatural TV series ‘The Vampire Diaries’ that was based on L. J. Smith’s popular book series bearing the same title.

His outstanding performance in ‘The Vampire Diaries’ not only earned him accolades and fame complimented with a TV Guide Award in the category of Choice TV Villain in 2013, apart from many other nominations, but also an opportunity to reprise the role in its spin-off titled ‘The Originals’, that too as a lead character.

He featured as Lysander in the 2011 epic-fantasy-adventure-action blockbuster film ‘Immortals’ and as Rusty in the American-Canadian independent drama film ‘Angels Crest’ released on December 30, that year.

‘The Originals’ that premiered on ‘The CW’ on October 3, 2013, revolves around the character of Morgan that is Klaus Mikaelson and his family. The role that he portrays with brilliance till present has garnered him People's Choice Awards in 2014, in the category of ‘Favorite Actor In A New TV Series’ as also several other award nominations including the ones from ‘Teen Choice Awards’.

Besides playing Klaus Mikaelson in ‘The Originals’, Morgan also directed two of its episodes namely ‘Behind the Black Horizon’ that aired in season 3 on April 8, 2016, and ‘Keepers of the House’ that aired in season 4 on April 7, 2017.

Meanwhile, he starred as James Hogg in the Luke Massey directed 2014, Scottish drama film ‘500 Miles North’.

In 2016 crime drama thriller ‘Desiree’, Morgan played the starring role of Eric Ashworth while the titular character was played by Nicole Badaan.

He met American actress Persia White while filming for TV series ‘The Vampire Diaries’ where the latter featured in a recurring role of Bonnie’s mother. The two started dating in 2011, and got engaged in 2014, eventually getting married on July 5, of that year in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Joseph Morgan is an accomplished artist and has showcased his talent through various paintings and drawings, demonstrating his creativity beyond his acting abilities.

Despite his intense on-screen persona, Joseph Morgan is known to have a great sense of humor and enjoys pulling pranks on his co-stars and friends on set.

Joseph Morgan is a dedicated environmentalist and actively supports various conservation efforts, showcasing his passion for protecting the planet.

In addition to his acting skills, Joseph Morgan is also a skilled musician and has been known to play multiple instruments, including the guitar and piano.

Joseph Morgan is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and often uses his platform to spread positive messages about self-care and seeking help when needed.