You Wouldn T Believe Joe Gilgun S Life Story Vice

Leo Migdal

-Dec 14, 2025, 4:55 AM

you wouldn t believe joe gilgun s life story vice

It takes about an hour in actor Joe Gilgun’s company to learn he’s had an intimate, bodily relationship with almost every corner of his hometown. We’re there – Rivington, Lancashire – and he’s hovering near a reservoir, beaming, as his PR, his good friend Dave, our photographer and I look on. “I’m doing a piss in it!” Joe says, pretending to do just that into the water. Everyone laughs, because he’s always excelled at being the class clown. “Have you done that before, in there?” I ask. “Piss in it?

Yeah!” A pause. “I shouldn’t say that.” In ten minutes, he’ll have run down a sharp bank, and taken an actual piss up a tree, suggesting our photographer document that. Five minutes after that, his publicist will ask we not include the piss photos. But piss is, and I can’t stress this enough, the least of a PR’s worries when it comes to Joe, someone who breathes mischief into every minor event, is completely incapable of using a... That’s why you’ll not find many interviews with him, beyond group junkets.

He has bipolar II – the disorder type that involves more frequent cycling of moods and depressive periods – and he’ll later tell me he’s having a depressive day today. This went completely unnoticed: he’s entertaining and forthcoming, steamrolling through story after story in his thick Lancashire accent. Joe Gilgun has carved out a place in British television that few actors manage to reach, earning admiration for his raw authenticity, emotional depth and the unmistakable charm that defines his on-screen presence. Mentioning joe gilgun early helps anchor the focus of this guide, but beyond SEO, it speaks to how often his name appears in conversations about talent that feels genuinely lived-in rather than performed. Whether portraying troubled but lovable characters or leading ambitious dramas that blend humour with vulnerability, he consistently brings something uncompromisingly human to the screen. This long-form guide explores his life, career, personal battles, creative achievements and what sets him apart in an industry often shaped by polished facades.

It goes far beyond his best-known roles, focusing on the deeper stories that fans rarely get in quick online profiles. You’ll discover the roots of his talent, the emotional realities behind his characters, the projects he’s shaped from the inside, and why he remains such a magnetic figure in British entertainment. If you’re searching for a thorough, engaging and human-centred portrait, you’ll find it here. Joe Gilgun early years are crucial to understanding the performer he eventually became. Born in Lancashire, he grew up in an environment that mixed working-class reality with the sort of humour that later became central to his acting style. His childhood wasn’t straightforward; it was colourful, loud, sometimes messy and often emotionally intense.

It was also shaped by creative impulses that appeared early. Teachers reportedly noticed that he had a natural flair for performance, and he was encouraged to explore acting as a constructive outlet for the restlessness he carried. These formative experiences would later find their way into many of his roles. That sense of being on the outside looking in, yet also deeply connected to the people around him, is a recurring theme in his performances. Whether appearing in gritty dramas or character-driven comedies, he draws heavily on real-life emotion. Even at a young age, he understood the power of storytelling — not as a glamourous pursuit, but as a way to express feelings that didn’t always have a place elsewhere.

This grounding in authenticity, vulnerability and lived experience continues to define his work today. Gilgun’s pathway into professional acting began in childhood, and by his teenage years, he was already exploring challenging roles. His early appearances showed a remarkable blend of sensitivity and rough-edged humour. Most young actors learn technique first and depth later, but he seemed to do the opposite. There was always something unusually lived-in about his characters, which set him apart even from a young age. Joe Gilgun is one of those rare actors who feels completely real, both on and off the screen.

Known for his raw honesty, quick humor, and incredible range, Gilgun has built a career that’s as unpredictable as it is inspiring. From his breakout role in This Is England to creating and starring in Brassic, Joe’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and staying true to yourself, no matter what life throws your way. Today, he’s celebrated not just as a talented actor but also as a storyteller who turned his struggles — including living with bipolar disorder — into something powerful. Let’s take a closer look at Joe Gilgun’s journey, from his small-town beginnings in Lancashire to his rise as one of Britain’s most loved and authentic stars. Full Name: Joseph William GilgunDate Of Birth: March 9, 1984Birthplace: Chorley, Lancashire, EnglandParents: Judith Gilgun and Andrew GilgunHeight: 6 Feet (1.83 Meters)Nationality: BritishOccupation: Actor, Writer, ProducerKnown For: This Is England, Misfits, Preacher, BrassicNotable Role:... Joe Gilgun was born on March 9, 1984, in the quiet town of Chorley, Lancashire, England.

Raised by his parents, Judith and Andrew Gilgun, Joe’s early life was simple, filled with nature, adventure, and mischief. He grew up exploring the fields and woods around Rivington, where he would later draw inspiration for his hit show Brassic. Although his childhood seemed idyllic on the surface, Joe faced struggles early on. School wasn’t easy for him. He was diagnosed with dyslexia and found reading and writing difficult, often writing letters backward. These challenges, combined with undiagnosed bipolar disorder, made him restless and disruptive in class.

But even then, his vibrant personality stood out — a kid full of stories, energy, and emotion waiting to find an outlet. Joe Gilgun Is A British Actor And TV Star Who Has Captivated Audiences With His Unique Blend Of Humor, Heart, And Authenticity. Known Best For His Role As Vinnie In The Smash-Hit Comedy Series Brassic, Gilgun Has Become A Beloved Figure In British Television. Over The Years, He Has Built A Reputation For Playing Characters That Are Both Bold And Vulnerable, Often Drawing On His Own Life Experiences To Add Depth To His Performances. This Article Explores The Life, Career, And Roles That Have Shaped Joe Gilgun Into The Actor He Is Today, Offering Insights Into His Journey, Challenges, And Achievements In The Entertainment Industry. Date Of Birth: February 9, 1984Place Of Birth: Chorley, Lancashire, EnglandNationality: BritishOccupation: Actor, Co-CreatorFamous For: Vinnie In BrassicNotable Roles: This Is England, Misfits, Dead Man’s ShoesYears Active: 2002–PresentMental Health Advocacy: Open About Bipolar DisorderAwards:...

Joe Gilgun Was Born On February 9, 1984, In Chorley, Lancashire, England. From A Young Age, He Showed A Passion For Performing, Participating In School Plays And Local Theater Productions. Growing Up In A Working-Class Environment, Joe Experienced The Realities Of Life That Would Later Influence The Authenticity Of His Acting. He Faced Personal Struggles, Including Mental Health Challenges, Which Later Inspired The Depth And Complexity Of The Characters He Portrays. His Early Years Were Marked By Curiosity, Humor, And A Desire To Express Himself Through Storytelling, Laying The Foundation For A Career In Acting. Joe Gilgun Began Acting Professionally As A Teenager, Appearing In Small TV Roles And Independent Projects.

His First Notable Work Came Through Appearances In British Television Series Where He Showed Early Signs Of A Natural Talent For Blending Comedy And Drama. While Many Young Actors Struggle To Find Their Footing, Joe Demonstrated A Unique Ability To Connect With Audiences By Bringing Authenticity And Emotional Honesty To Every Role. His Early Work Set The Stage For A Career That Would Soon Gain Momentum With More Prominent Roles In Television And Film. Throughout His Career, Joe Gilgun Has Taken On A Variety Of Roles That Highlight His Range And Versatility. He Gained Recognition For His Work In This Is England, A Critically Acclaimed Drama Film Series That Explored Youth Culture In England. He Also Appeared In Misfits, A Popular Supernatural Comedy-Drama, Where His Performance Further Cemented His Reputation As A Talented And Charismatic Actor.

Joe Has Balanced Comedy, Drama, And Action Roles, Demonstrating A Unique Ability To Make Characters Both Relatable And Memorable. Each Role Has Contributed To His Growth And Influence Within British Television And Film. Phoning up Joe Gilgun is good, because it’s exactly like phoning up Woody off of This Is England. Like: exactly like it. He starts the interview with a semi-weird description of what he is wearing, that I didn’t ask for – “A vest, that I slept in… some shorts, that I borrowed off my friend, James”... James doesn’t wake up.

You half-expect someone called, like, ‘Widget’ to run in and really emotionally do something northern and racist at any moment, full Meadows-style. Anyway, This Is England is over now, and Gilgun – previously of Emmerdale, as well as Misfits and Pride – is now appearing opposite Dominic Cooper in Preacher, playing jangly Irish vampire Cassidy. It’s on Amazon Prime, go watch it. What was your first email address?I’ve never had one. [incredulous VICE interjection deleted from transcript] With God is my judge, I’ve never had an email address that I know of. I don’t do any of that shit, man.

Like I’ve got a fucking… I just draw pictures on my laptop thing… I was gonna say how much I hate it, but it’s not that I hate it, it’s just that I’m fucking... You know like fucking Twitter and that? I don’t understand, like, hashtags. My mate was telling me about hashtags because I’ve been saying that every time I fuck up and do something stupid I’ll go “#gilgunlife”. You know? I just stood in dog poo and I was like, “fucking #gilgunlife man” and he said “it doesn’t work like that”.

I’ve been saying hashtags wrong. And I’ve been saying it to fucking everyone, man. What was your worst phase as a human being?Ooh, fuck. I was cocky, man, I liked scrapping – we all did, though, all of our mates. I think it’s just the time we grew up in. At the time I think I felt like quite a cool dude, a bit of a hard man, but slowly I got into ganja and that really chilled me out, so I guess that...

I think it was because like I’m shit with girls and I never leave my house. I think I’d be quite good with girls if I wasn’t playing Call Of Duty all the time. When I do speak to them, girls and that, I do enjoy it, but it’s dangerous because there’s this thing called ‘the friend zone’ my friend was telling me about. But I wouldn’t know about it, because… I’m a wanker. You know. A massive wanker.

That’s all I do. Why did you break up with your first girlfriend?Oh god! Right, so, my first girlfriend – and I’m not mentioning any names, because it’s not fair – but… I have been a verging on bunny boiler. Listen to this shit. So I was just starting to get on the TV, and I think I had been getting bouts of like feeling down and depressed. Being young my mum used to tell me that I’d have a month of a catastrophic breakdown where there would have to be an intervention, you know, when they say, “Come on, sort your...

You Wouldn T Believe Joe Gilgun S Life Story Vice

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