In 2022, Netflix released another tear-jerking series, “Heartstopper,” starring English actor Kit Connor, who played the iconic character Nick Nelson.
Adapted from the hit graphic novel created by Alice Oseman, Heartstopper is a show that depicts the budding love of two high school boys as they go on their journey to find their true selves. When the first season debuted, the series received undying attention from the audience, especially those from the LGBTQ+ community.
Many say that the show made them feel various types of emotions. Even though there is no doubt it is such a bubbly series, packed with happy scenes, there is still no denying that it will make the audience tear up a little. Since the show is so unpredictable, it lives up to its title of being such a “Heartstopper.”
The show also serves as a reminder that despite the progress the LGBTQ+ community has made for their rights, there are still some instances that the progress is still not enough, considering discrimination and inequality are still apparent in every nick and corner of the world.
That’s why there is no doubt that Kit Connor, who played one of the leads, Nick Nelson, on the hit show, has said to himself that his character Nick inspires him so much. During an interview, Connor stated that he aspires to be just like Nick, who is pure and kind in many ways.
Despite the ongoing stigma against the LGBTQ+ community, Connor encourages everyone, not just the kids but also adults, to make Nick and Charlie their role models. Connor seems unafraid to express how much he enjoyed and loved his role in the series. He even sees this as one of the most memorable and beloved roles he ever took in his career.
So, if you want to know more about Kit Connor, the heart-stopping leading man, here are some facts about him that you should note.
Who Is Kit Connor?
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Born on the 8th of June 2004 in South London, England, Kit Connor is an English actor known for his roles in “Rocketman,” “Get Santa,” and “Heartstopper”. Since he grew up in the Borough of Croydon, Connor is believed to have attended Hayes Primary School in Kenley.
He moved to the Southern part of Croydon to attend Whitgift School, an all-boys academy known as Britain’s finest independent day and boarding school. There, he completed his A levels in drama, a skill he ultimately used in his acting career.
When Did Kit Connor Start His Career?
Just like most actors, Connor has also started from scratch. Since he greatly loves acting, he started his career in the entertainment industry a bit earlier than most. At the early age of eight, he already made minor appearances in many shows like “An Adventure in Space and Time” and “Casualty.”
After gaining experience, he eventually landed some big roles of his own, like “Get Santa,” “Rocketman,” “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society,” and “Rocket’s Island.” However, “Heartstopper” might be his biggest break yet. His outstanding portrayal of Nick Nelson has taken the industry by storm, resulting in him gaining his deserved recognition.
Although he originally auditioned for the role of Charlie, his acting performance as Nick is just perfection. It has given him the opportunity to win the inaugural Children’s and Family Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Performance.
Kit Connor Is Interested in Music
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Besides acting, he is also quite the musician himself. According to reports, the “Heartstopper” actor greatly plays guitar. As seen in his post on Instagram, where he did a cover of the hit song 7 Years by Lukas Graham, there is no doubt that Connor is undeniably one of the most talented young actors of today.
Kit Connor Is a Dog Lover
For years, Connor has been sharing pictures of his dog pets on Instagram for his fans to see. Being a hands-on fur parent, Connor ensures that his two adorable pups, Basil and Sybil, are always properly groomed and cared for. Based on his posts, it is already clear that his dogs’ favorite activities include being pet and cuddling up with him on the couch.
He Was Once Scared to Work with Olivia Colman
In an interview, Connor revealed that he was initially intimidated to work with Olivia Colman. Even though he had already worked with big names when he landed the role in hit shows like “His Dark Materials” and “Rocketman’, ‘he still felt a bit nervous to work with an Oscar Award Winning actress like Colman.
He elaborately described during an interview that he was nervous about his scene with Olivia Colman at the show’s end. Especially when he found out it was already confirmed that Olivia Colman would play Nick’s mom. After hearing the news, Connor tried to play it cool even though he was really anxious, but he was very happy with how it turned out in the end.
He Came Out as Bisexual in 2021
For some people who didn’t know, Connor actually did publicly come out as bisexual in 2021. The sudden announcement shocked many of his fans, but it was already something that everyone was already expecting.
It seems like Connor actually had no plans of coming out this early. However, because trolls forced him to do so, he had no choice but to confirm the rumors to stop the never-ending queries about it.
Although it wasn’t all planned, it seems like everything happened at the right time, considering Connor was already 18 years old when the reports of him coming out spread.
In an interview with British Vogue in 2023, Connor stated that his coming out experience was less than ideal, adding that he felt like it wasn’t something he was ready to discuss. Thankfully, he is already over with that phase.
He Has a Director’s Credit
As surprising as it may seem, Connor began exploring filmmaking at such a young age. According to reports, the young star is set to direct the short film “Moving” alongside “Max Raphael,” which Connor is also said to co-produce.
With that being said, it seems like Connor’s role as Nick Nelson in the hit Netflix show “Heartstopper” has enabled him to receive many opportunities that will eventually help grow his career in the entertainment industry. So, if you want to keep updated with his life, you can follow him on his Instagram account, @kit.connor.
