Connor Swindells: Age, Wife, Family, Movies and Acting Career
Meet the English actor who went from boxing and local theatre to Netflix fame, Hollywood films and major British television dramas.
Introduction
Connor Swindells is a British actor and model. He is best known for playing Adam Groff in Netflix’s Sex Education.
His acting journey started unexpectedly. Before appearing on television, he trained as a boxer and had little experience in professional acting.
Then everything began to change.
He appeared in The Vanishing and VS. before landing his breakthrough television role. Later came SAS: Rogue Heroes, Emma., Barbie and several other productions.
His personal story is equally interesting. He faced a difficult childhood, found acting through local theatre and married actress Amber Anderson in 2024.
Here is what we know about his life, family and career.
Quick Facts About Connor Swindells
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Connor Ryan Swindells |
| Date of Birth | 19 September 1996 |
| Age | 30 years old (2026) |
| Birthplace | Lewes, East Sussex, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Actor and model |
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Father | Ian Swindells |
| Mother | Phoebe Swindells |
| Siblings | Three older brothers |
| Wife | Amber Anderson |
| Marriage Year | 2024 |
| Former Partner | Aimee Lou Wood |
| Acting Career | 2015–present |
| Famous Role | Adam Groff in Sex Education |
| Major TV Work | SAS: Rogue Heroes |
| Hollywood Film | Barbie (2023) |
| 2026 Recognition | Chopard Trophy at Cannes |
Early Life and Family Background
Connor Ryan Swindells was born on 19 September 1996 in Lewes, East Sussex, England.
He grew up in Sussex. His childhood was not easy.
His parents were Ian and Phoebe Swindells. He was the youngest of four brothers.
His mother died from bowel cancer when he was seven years old. That loss changed his early life.
He later lived with his father and paternal grandparents.
In interviews, he has spoken about the emotional effects of losing his mother. He has also discussed the expectations placed on boys growing up around traditional ideas of masculinity.
His mother’s family had Romani heritage.
Growing up, he watched the older men around him work hard and show little emotion. He wanted to fit in.
But he had different interests.
Those early experiences later helped him understand characters struggling with family pressure and identity.
Education and School Life
He attended school in West Sussex.
Published accounts mention Rydon Community College and Steyning Grammar School.
He later studied sport at college.
Acting was not his original plan.
In fact, he did not follow the standard route of studying at a major drama school.
He began working through practical acting experience and auditions.
His early interest was boxing. He trained during his teenage years but eventually realised that the sport was not the career he wanted.
That decision opened another door.
How Did Connor Swindells Become an Actor?
His acting career began around 2015.
Friends encouraged him to audition for a local theatre production. He decided to give it a try.
The experience changed his direction.
He discovered an interest in performing and began looking for further acting opportunities.
Soon, he found professional representation.
His early screen work arrived in 2017, when he appeared in the television dramas Harlots and Jamestown.
These were small roles.
Still, they gave him experience working in front of a camera.
By 2018, he had moved into feature films.
Connor Swindells’ Acting Career
His career grew through a mixture of independent films, television dramas and major studio projects.
Each role brought something different.
Early Film Work: VS. and The Vanishing
In 2018, he appeared in the British drama VS.
He played Adam Watson, a young man involved in competitive battle rap.
The film gave him an early leading role. It also attracted attention from the British film industry.
He was named among Screen International’s Stars of Tomorrow and received recognition on the British Independent Film Awards longlist.
During the same period, he appeared in The Vanishing.
The psychological thriller starred Gerard Butler and Peter Mullan.
Swindells played Donald McArthur, one of three lighthouse keepers caught in a disturbing situation.
These projects helped establish his screen career.
Sex Education: His Breakthrough Role
Netflix’s Sex Education premiered in 2019.
This was his big break.
He played Adam Groff, a student at Moordale Secondary School.
At first, Adam appears aggressive and uncomfortable expressing his emotions.
But the character changes.
As the story develops, viewers learn more about his family problems, personal fears and complicated relationship with Eric Effiong.
Ncuti Gatwa played Eric.
Their storyline became one of the show’s most discussed relationships.
Swindells appeared throughout the series, which ended with its fourth season in 2023.
The role introduced him to international audiences.
It also gave him the chance to portray a character whose behaviour changes considerably over time.
Emma. (2020)
In 2020, he appeared in Emma., directed by Autumn de Wilde.
The film was based on Jane Austen’s novel.
He played Robert Martin, a farmer involved in the story’s romantic relationships.
Anya Taylor-Joy played the title character.
The production was important for another reason.
It was where he met Amber Anderson, who later became his wife.
Barbarians and Vigil (2021)
He continued working in film and television.
In the psychological thriller Barbarians, he played Dan.
He also appeared in the BBC drama Vigil as Simon Hadlow.
These projects gave him opportunities to work outside the comedy-drama format that made him famous.
SAS: Rogue Heroes (2022–2025)
He took on a major historical role in SAS: Rogue Heroes.
The BBC series follows the formation and early operations of the Special Air Service during the Second World War.
Swindells played David Stirling, the British Army officer associated with establishing the unit.
The series was created by Steven Knight.
It also featured Jack O’Connell and Alfie Allen.
The role required him to portray a military leader operating under dangerous wartime conditions.
His performance attracted award recognition, including a Broadcasting Press Guild Best Actor nomination in 2023.
Barbie (2023)
Another major project arrived in 2023.
He appeared in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie.
He played Aaron Dinkins, a Mattel employee.
The film starred Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, alongside an extensive supporting cast.
Although his role was smaller than his television parts, the film introduced his work to another large audience.
Scoop and William Tell (2024)
He appeared in the Netflix film Scoop in 2024.
The drama followed the events surrounding the BBC’s 2019 interview with Prince Andrew.
He played Jae Donnelly.
He also appeared in William Tell, directed by Nick Hamm, portraying Albrecht Gessler.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024.
Television and Film Work in 2025
His later projects included The Bombing of Pan Am 103.
In the television drama, he played Detective Sergeant Ed McCusker.
He also appeared in Jingle Bell Heist, a Christmas-themed film released in 2025.
These roles continued his work across different genres.
Connor Swindells Movies and TV Shows
| Year | Movie or TV Show | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Harlots | Mostyn |
| 2017 | Jamestown | Fletcher |
| 2018 | VS. | Adam Watson |
| 2018 | The Vanishing | Donald McArthur |
| 2019–2023 | Sex Education | Adam Groff |
| 2020 | Emma. | Robert Martin |
| 2021 | Barbarians | Dan |
| 2021 | Vigil | Simon Hadlow |
| 2021 | Dodo | Jamie Connolly (voice) |
| 2022–2025 | SAS: Rogue Heroes | David Stirling |
| 2023 | Barbie | Aaron Dinkins |
| 2024 | Scoop | Jae Donnelly |
| 2024 | William Tell | Albrecht Gessler |
| 2025 | The Bombing of Pan Am 103 | Ed McCusker |
| 2025 | Jingle Bell Heist | Nick |
Connor Swindells in 2026
His professional work continued into 2026.
He was attached to The Entertainment System Is Down, a film directed by Ruben Östlund.
The production also features Keanu Reeves and Kirsten Dunst.
He also worked on the BBC drama The Dream Lands, adapted from Rosa Rankin-Gee’s novel Dreamland.
In August 2026, Sky announced that he had joined the cast of Charmer.
The eight-part drama also stars Anthony Boyle, Siena Kelly and Sophie Wilde.
Swindells plays Max Norwood.
The announcement confirmed that filming was underway. A release date had not been announced.
These productions show that his career remains active beyond his earlier Netflix success.
Modelling and Fashion Work
Acting is his main profession.
But he has also worked in fashion.
He has appeared in fashion-related interviews, magazine features and promotional campaigns.
His public fashion appearances have included coverage connected with Dior and designer Jonathan Anderson.
His work has also been featured in publications such as British GQ.
A complete list of his modelling contracts has not been publicly established.
Connor Swindells’ Wife and Marriage
Connor Swindells is married to British actress Amber Anderson.
The couple met while working on Emma.
They stayed in touch after filming.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, their friendship developed into a romantic relationship.
They later became engaged during a trip to Botswana.
He proposed near an ancient baobab tree.
The couple married in October 2024.
Their wedding took place at Boath House in the Scottish Highlands.
It was a personal celebration attended by family and friends.
Alistair Petrie, who played Adam Groff’s father in Sex Education, officiated the ceremony.
Their rescue dog Moose also took part as the ring bearer.
The wedding was featured in British Vogue.
His Previous Relationship
Before marrying Amber Anderson, he dated actress Aimee Lou Wood.
The two worked together on Sex Education.
Wood played Aimee Gibbs in the Netflix series.
Their relationship ended in 2020.
Both continued their acting careers after the separation.
Personal Life and Interests
He has shared parts of his personal story through interviews.
He has spoken about family loss, childhood expectations and his earlier interest in boxing.
He has also discussed his enjoyment of nature and gardening.
His rescue dog Moose has appeared in public stories about his life with Amber Anderson.
Despite working in internationally known productions, much of his private day-to-day life remains outside public reporting.
Awards and Career Recognition
His performances have received attention from film and television organisations.
Early in his career, he was selected as one of Screen International’s Stars of Tomorrow.
His performance in VS. earned a place on the British Independent Film Awards longlist.
In 2019, he received an MTV Movie & TV Award nomination with Ncuti Gatwa for their work in Sex Education.
His performance in SAS: Rogue Heroes brought a Broadcasting Press Guild Best Actor nomination.
A major honour followed in May 2026.
He received the Chopard Trophy at the Cannes Film Festival alongside actress Odessa A’zion.
The recognition marked another important moment in his film career.
Final Thought
Connor Swindells took an unusual route into acting.
He started with boxing. Then he tried theatre.
A few years later, he became known worldwide for playing Adam Groff.
His work now includes British dramas, historical films, Hollywood productions and new television projects.
His career has grown steadily.
And at 30, he has already worked with several well-known filmmakers and actors.
His next roles will give audiences another chance to see how far he can take his craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Connor Swindells?
Connor Swindells is an English actor and model. He is best known for playing Adam Groff in Netflix’s Sex Education.
2. How old is Connor Swindells in 2026?
He is 30 years old. He was born on 19 September 1996 in Sussex, England.
3. Who is Connor Swindells’ wife?
His wife is British actress Amber Anderson. They married in October 2024 in the Scottish Highlands.
4. How tall is Connor Swindells?
His listed height is approximately 6 feet, or 183 centimetres.
5. What movies has Connor Swindells appeared in?
His film credits include VS., The Vanishing, Emma., Barbarians, Barbie, Scoop, William Tell and Jingle Bell Heist.
6. Did Connor Swindells play Adam in Sex Education?
Yes. He played Adam Groff across all four seasons of the Netflix series, from 2019 to 2023.
7. Was Connor Swindells a boxer?
Yes. He trained as a boxer during his teenage years before moving into acting.
8. What is Connor Swindells working on in 2026?
His announced projects include The Entertainment System Is Down, The Dream Lands and Sky’s Charmer.
