Although Jonsson has been on our screens for some time now, he has really made his breakthrough as Andy, an android in the blockbuster Alien: Romulus. But how did he get there? Graduating from RADA with a BA in Acting in 2016, Jonsson found himself in theatre, a common pattern with some of the nations most loved actors. He played William Davison in Mary Stuart at the Almeida Theatre, but this soon transferred to the Duke of York’s Theatre, and Jonsson made his West End debut. However, Jonsson was not just acting in his early days, he was always writing and directing, such as the short film Gen Y which he wrote, directed, and starred in in 2018.
Jonsson started to gain attention for his immense talent as an actor when he began starring as Gus in the BBC and HBO drama Industry for two years. This well-deserved attention was even more prevalent when he won a Black British Theatre Award in 2021. From here, Jonsson only moved up, making a feature film debut in the romcom Rye Lane that premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
When we take a look at someone like David Jonsson, it is clear that no ‘overnight success’ happens overnight, but it happens with a lot of hard work and dedication
However, what really propelled his name further than it had ever been, was Alien: Romulus, and this is not surprising to anybody that has seen it. Jonsson was spectacular, creating a completely captivating performance that forced you to love Andy while simultaneously left you wanting to reach into the screen and shake his shoulders in frustration. With an Alien: Romulus sequel in the mouths of cinephiles everywhere, writing and producing his own TV show Hype with Baby Reindeer producer Clerkenwell Films about four friends in East London, and soon to be starring in Coleman Domingo’s Scandalous, Jonsson is booked, busy, and he is certainly rising.
The Bafta Rising Star award can sometimes create the illusion that its winner is new to the industry or hasn’t been kicking about too long. But when we take a look at someone like David Jonsson, it is clear that no ‘overnight success’ happens overnight, but it happens with a lot of hard work and dedication. Over 2025, keep your eyes peeled for David Jonsson's face; I’m certain we’ll be seeing a lot more of him.