Tosin Cole’s name is Yoruba, his accent is London and his birthplace is Florida. The actor’s journey took him from youth theatre to one of British television’s most famous programmes, Doctor Who.
Early life
Cole was born on 23 July 1992 in Florida to parents of Nigerian Yoruba heritage and was raised in New York City before moving to Britain, where his acting career took shape.
Youth theatre
In 2009, he took part in Wasted!, a modern version of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar produced by Intermission Theatre, a company that helps teenagers stay away from crime. The experience set him on the path to acting.
First screen roles
Cole began his on-screen career with roles in The Cut and EastEnders: E20, a spin-off of the popular soap aimed at younger viewers.
Hollyoaks
He then secured a regular role as Neil Cooper in the soap opera Hollyoaks, gaining experience in fast-paced television.
Doctor Who
His biggest role came when he was cast as Ryan Sinclair, one of the companions of the Thirteenth Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker. The role introduced him to a global audience.
Ryan Sinclair
Ryan was a young man with dyspraxia, and the storyline, which included his difficult relationship with his grandmother’s husband, Graham, was praised for its emotional depth.
Short films
On 4 October 2017, Cole starred in the short film Father of Man, showing his interest in independent work.
Beyond Doctor Who
After leaving Doctor Who, Cole took on further film and television roles in Britain and the United States.
Representation
His casting in Doctor Who was welcomed by viewers who wanted the show’s companions to reflect modern Britain, and he became a role model for young actors of African heritage.
Nigerian pride
Nigerian fans in Britain and at home celebrated a Yoruba name in the credits of one of the world’s best-known science fiction series.
Working with Jodie Whittaker
As one of the “fam”, the Doctor’s travelling companions, Cole appeared alongside Jodie Whittaker, Bradley Walsh and Mandip Gill. The group’s chemistry was one of the most discussed parts of that era of the show.
From Wasted! to the TARDIS
Cole’s career began in a theatre project designed to keep teenagers out of trouble. Within a decade, he was travelling through time on television. It is a strong argument for the power of youth arts programmes.
