Billy Harris (actor)

Billy Harris (born 12 April 1994) is an English actor. He appears as Colin Hughes in all seasons of the Apple TV+ television show Ted Lasso.

Billy Harris
Harris in 2023
Born	(1994-04-12) 12 April 1994 (age 31) Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England
Nationality	English
Alma mater	Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
Occupation	Actor
Years active	2013–present
Notable work	Ted Lasso

Career

Harris was a student of theatre at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School from 2014 and 2017. After graduation, he appeared in a wide number of stage roles.^[1][2]

Influences

Harris has cited Marlon Brando as an acting inspiration. He emulated Brando in a performance of his speech from the Joseph L. Mankiewicz film Julius Caesar in an unsuccessful audition and it helped him find his own voice as an actor.^[3] He has also expressed admiration for actor Anthony Hopkins and his philosophy on preparing for a role.^[4]

Early roles

Harris started out in commercials, notably one for Nike starring Kevin Durant.^[5] He then had a few small parts in short films and web series. Harris' first lead role was as Callum McGregor in a stage adaptation of the Noughts & Crosses novel series by author Malorie Blackman, OBE.^[6]

Ted Lasso and other work

Harris appears in the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso as Welsh winger Colin Hughes.^[7] He was part of the recurring cast in the first and second seasons, and was upped to series regular for season 3.^[8] He received praise for his portrayal of Hughes when it was revealed that the character was gay,^[9] especially from LGBTQ+ fans.^[10][11][12] Co-creator of Ted Lasso, Brendan Hunt, said "Billy's been really amazing in this part" as the series discusses issues such as male vulnerability and homosexuality which are still taboo in the world of association football.^[13][14]

Harris had a small role in the BBC One series The Outlaws in 2022.^[15][16] His upcoming projects include voice acting in an animated show by writer and previous collaborator, Elliot Blake.^[17]

Personal life

Harris is from Southend, Essex^[3] and he has a sister. He is a fan of Manchester United F.C.^[18]

Selected filmography

Key

†	Denotes works that have not yet been released

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2020–2023	Ted Lasso	Colin Hughes	Recurring role (seasons 1–2), main role (season 3)
2022	The Outlaws	Posh Boy	1 episode

Awards and nominations

Year	Association	Category	Project	Result	Ref.
2023	Screen Actors Guild Awards	Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series	Ted Lasso	Nominated	[19]