Colin Morgan

Morgan was born on 1 January 1986{{Cite web |date=1 January 2019 |title=UPI Almanac for Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019 |url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2019/01/01/UPI-Almanac-for-Tuesday-Jan-1-2019/8591546197138/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190902213942/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2019/01/01/UPI-Almanac-for-Tuesday-Jan-1-2019/8591546197138/ |archive-date=2 September 2019 |access-date=2 September 2019 |website=United Press International |quote=actor Colin Morgan in 1986 (age 35)}} in Armagh, Northern Ireland, the son of Bernard, a painter and decorator, and Bernadette, a nurse.{{Cite web |title=Merlin: a new 13-part drama series on BBC One |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/09_september/01/merlin4.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922134240/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/9_september/01/merlin4.shtml |archive-date=22 September 2008 |access-date=1 September 2008 |publisher=BBC}} He is the younger of two brothers; they were both raised Roman Catholic.{{Cite web |last=Alison Jane Reid |title=Merlin's Colin Morgan – The Year of The Thoughtful, Intelligent Geek |url=http://www.ethical-hedonist.com/colin-morgan-interview_991.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513002609/http://www.ethical-hedonist.com/colin-morgan-interview_991.html |archive-date=13 May 2014 |access-date=9 March 2012 |website=Ethical-hedonist.com}}

In 1997, Morgan began studies at Integrated College Dungannon.{{Cite web |title=Integrated Education: Spring 2013 |url=http://www.nicie.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Newsletter-Spring.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140721035343/http://www.nicie.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Newsletter-Spring.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2014 |access-date=30 January 2013 |publisher=Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education}} Morgan starred in several college productions including Surgical Sensations at St. Senapods and Bad Day at Black Frog Creek.{{Cite web |title=Integrated College Dungannon – Latest News |url=http://intcollege.co.uk/news.php?action=fullnews&id=482 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719233334/http://intcollege.co.uk/news.php?action=fullnews&id=482 |archive-date=19 July 2014 |access-date=29 January 2013 |publisher=Integrated College Dungannon}}

Morgan was awarded a National Diploma in Performing Arts from the Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education in 2004. He graduated from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 2007. During his undergraduate course, he was discovered by theatre director Rufus Norris and left three-quarters of the way through his final year to make his London West End theatre debut as the title character in Vernon God Little. Morgan's performance was well received and used as part of his assessment for his final grade.{{Cite web |title=20 Questions With ... Colin Morgan |url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=207&story=E8821201886414 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408114141/http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=207&story=E8821201886414 |archive-date=8 April 2008 |access-date=2 January 2009 |publisher=Whatsonstage.com}}

In November 2010, the Belfast Metropolitan College honoured Morgan with an Award of Distinction for his contribution to the Arts.{{Cite web |title=Students make it at 'The Met' |url=http://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/?news_item=449 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726075823/http://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/?news_item=449 |archive-date=26 July 2011 |access-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=BMC}}

Morgan made his stage debut in London as the titular character Vernon God Little mounted at the Young Vic in 2007. The Telegraph said that Morgan "captures all the vulnerability, confusion and gallows humour of the adolescent hero who finds himself in no end of trouble".{{Cite news |title=Black comedy is top of the class |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/drama/3664989/Black-comedy-is-top-of-the-class.html |url-status=live |access-date=9 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215000123/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/drama/3664989/Black-comedy-is-top-of-the-class.html |archive-date=15 February 2009}} That same year, Morgan played the role of Esteban, an aspiring teenage writer, in the Old Vic stage adaptation of Pedro Almodóvar's All About My Mother. For both of these roles, Morgan was nominated for the 2007 London Newcomer of the Year in the Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Awards.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}

In 2008, Morgan appeared in the Young Vic production of Thomas Babe's A Prayer for My Daughter.{{Cite news |title=A Prayer for my daughter, Young Vic, London |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/a-prayer-for-my-daughter-young-vic-london-780630.html |url-status=live |access-date=11 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715180533/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/a-prayer-for-my-daughter-young-vic-london-780630.html |archive-date=15 July 2014}} The Independent noted Morgan brought Jimmy to life through "twisting, twitching mood-swings and mix of half-druggy cackling punk and half-angelic visionary." Variety also singled out his "remarkable level of twitchy intensity."{{Cite web |date=20 February 2008 |title=Review: A Prayer for My Daughter |url=https://variety.com/2008/legit/reviews/a-prayer-for-my-daughter-2-1200547906/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308023113/http://variety.com/2008/legit/reviews/a-prayer-for-my-daughter-2-1200547906/ |archive-date=8 March 2014 |access-date=20 February 2008 |website=Variety.com}}

In 2011, Morgan performed in the Royal Court Theatre production of Pedro Miguel Rozo's play Our Private Life to favourable reviews as Carlos, a "bipolar compulsive fantasist" homosexual who suspects he was molested by his father as a child.{{Cite web |last=Royal Court Theatre |title=Our Private Life |url=http://www.royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/our-private-life |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207065209/http://www.royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/our-private-life |archive-date=7 December 2010 |access-date=15 March 2011}}{{Cite web |last=Dominic Cavendish |title=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/8339174/Our-Private-Life-Royal-Court-Theatre-Upstairs-review.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226131959/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/8339174/Our-Private-Life-Royal-Court-Theatre-Upstairs-review.html |archive-date=26 February 2011 |access-date=21 February 2011}} On 9 December 2012, Morgan performed the role of Gary, a flamboyant dance instructor trying to win the heart of one of his students, in Step in Time at The Old Vic 24 Hour Musicals Celebrity Gala in aid of The Old Vic Trust.{{Cite web |title=Old Vic 24-hour-musicals |url=http://www.oldvictheatre.com/the-24-hour-musicals |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111073541/http://www.oldvictheatre.com/the-24-hour-musicals/ |archive-date=11 November 2012 |access-date=9 December 2012 |publisher=Oldvictheatre.com}}

He played Ariel in the 2013 Globe Theatre production of The Tempest, which was later broadcast to cinemas as part of Globe On Screen in May 2014, with a subsequent DVD release in July 2014 and then was also later released online via the Globe's online platform in 2022.{{Cite web |title=Broadway World |url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/STAGE-TUBE-First-Look-at-Roger-Allam-and-Colin-Morgan-in-The-Globes-THE-TEMPEST-Hitting-Cinemas-May-28-20140515 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516234350/http://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/STAGE-TUBE-First-Look-at-Roger-Allam-and-Colin-Morgan-in-The-Globes-THE-TEMPEST-Hitting-Cinemas-May-28-20140515 |archive-date=16 May 2014 |access-date=15 May 2014}}{{Cite web |title=Shakespeare's Globe |url=http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/theatre/whats-on/globe-theatre/the-tempest-2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140816200913/http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/theatre/whats-on/globe-theatre/the-tempest-2013 |archive-date=16 August 2014 |access-date=1 July 2014}}{{Cite web |title=New releases on Globe Player: the latest titles added this April 2022 {{!}} Blogs & features |url=https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/discover/blogs-and-features/2022/04/12/new-releases-on-globe-player-the-latest-shows-to-watch-this-april-2022/ |access-date=30 January 2025 |website=Shakespeare's Globe}}{{Cite web |title=The Tempest (2013) {{!}} Watch on Globe Player {{!}} Shakespeare's Globe |url=https://player.shakespearesglobe.com/productions/the-tempest-2013/ |access-date=30 January 2025 |website=player.shakespearesglobe.com}} For this role, Morgan sought to imbue his portrayal of Ariel with "ethereal stillness" and "acrobatic precision".{{Cite web |title=The Tempest Review |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/theatre/the-tempest-shakespeares-globe--theatre-review-8602794.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514055756/http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/theatre/the-tempest-shakespeares-globe--theatre-review-8602794.html |archive-date=14 May 2013 |access-date=3 May 2013 |publisher=London Evening Standard}} The Washington Post critic said that he "can't remember a better Ariel," and that Morgan's portrayal was "mysterious, in a way I've never quite experienced before – also wonderfully vulnerable".{{Cite web |last=Peter Marks |title=Twitter Review from Washington Post Theatre Critic Peter Marks |url=https://twitter.com/petermarksdrama/status/346758894653169664 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305074123/https://twitter.com/petermarksdrama/status/346758894653169664 |archive-date=5 March 2016 |access-date=18 June 2013}}

From 2013 to 2014, Morgan played Skinny Luke in Jez Butterworth's dark comedy Mojo at the Harold Pinter Theatre.{{Cite web |title=Mojo at Harold Pinter Theatre |url=http://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/1286/Mojo-tickets.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911032833/https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/1286/Mojo-tickets.aspx |archive-date=11 September 2015 |access-date=9 September 2013}} Radio Times described Morgan's performance as "an accomplished study in human weakness ... played with precision and pathos."{{Cite web |last=Radio Times |title=Harry Potter star Rupert Grint makes his stage debut in crime drama Mojo |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-11-14/harry-potter-star-rupert-grint-makes-his-stage-debut-in-crime-drama-mojo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131117040017/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-11-14/harry-potter-star-rupert-grint-makes-his-stage-debut-in-crime-drama-mojo |archive-date=17 November 2013 |access-date=14 November 2013}} In 2017, Morgan returned to London theatre, appearing in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Gloria, a comic drama.{{Cite web |last=Hampstead Theatre |title=Hampstead Theatre |url=https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2017/gloria/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701023537/https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2017/gloria/ |archive-date=1 July 2017 |access-date=12 May 2017}} Morgan made his National Theatre debut in May 2018, starring in the new production of Brian Friel's Translations, directed by Ian Rickson.{{Cite web |last=Ben Hewis |title=WhatsOnStage |date=3 October 2017 |url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/national-season-2018-colin-morgan-fiennes-okonedo_44768.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005023344/http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/national-season-2018-colin-morgan-fiennes-okonedo_44768.html |archive-date=5 October 2017 |access-date=5 October 2017}}

In 2019, he appeared in Arthur Miller's All My Sons at the Old Vic as Chris Keller, a production that was screened in cinemas and later made available through the National Theatre's online streaming platform in 2021.{{Cite web |last=Musbach |first=Julie |title=Photos: First Look at Sally Field, Jenna Coleman, and the Cast of ALL MY SONS |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Photo-Flash-First-Look-at-Sally-Field-Jenna-Coleman-and-the-Cast-of-ALL-MY-SONS-20190423 |access-date=30 January 2025 |website=BroadwayWorld.com}}{{Cite web |date=4 June 2021 |title=National Theatre adds All My Sons and A Midsummer Night's Dream to streaming platform |url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/national-theatre-adds-all-my-sons-and-a-midsummer-nights-dream-to-streaming-platform_54196/ |access-date=30 January 2025}}{{Cite web |title=All My Sons: Full Play |url=https://www.ntathome.com/videos/all-my-sons-full-play |access-date=30 January 2025 |website=National Theatre at Home}}

He performed at the Bridge Theatre in early 2020, for Caryl Churchill's A Number.{{Cite web |last=Lucy Brooks |title=Culture Whisper |url=https://www.culturewhisper.com/r/theatre/a_number_bridge_theatre/14945 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127181154/https://www.culturewhisper.com/r/theatre/a_number_bridge_theatre/14945 |archive-date=27 January 2020 |access-date=27 January 2020}}

In television, Morgan first appeared in 2007 as the embarrassed gay son John Leary in sketches on The Catherine Tate Show's "Christmas Special." In 2008, he portrayed the conflicted teenager Jethro Cane in the fan-favourite Doctor Who episode "Midnight".{{Cite news |title=The Brit List: Five Merlin Stars Who Have Appeared on Doctor Who {{!}} BBC America|work=BBC America |url=http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2012/07/the-brit-list-five-merlin-stars-who-have-appeared-on-doctor-who |url-status=live |access-date=7 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907213549/http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2012/07/the-brit-list-five-merlin-stars-who-have-appeared-on-doctor-who |archive-date=7 September 2017}}

Morgan played the title role in BBC TV series Merlin from 2008 to 2012.{{Cite web |last=BBC (bbc.co.uk) |title=Merlin series 5 is the last |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2012/merlin-final.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115052617/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2012/merlin-final.html |archive-date=15 November 2015 |access-date=26 November 2012}} The series chronicles the adventures of a young warlock who serves as Arthur's servant and Gaius' ward; Merlin must secretly develop his magical gifts under the gaze of Kings Uther and Arthur, both of whom despise the art.

The show was loosely based on the Arthurian legends of Merlin and his relationship with King Arthur. Morgan was nominated for and won multiple acting awards, including the Caron Keating Outstanding Newcomer Award in the 56th annual Variety Club Showbiz Award ceremony on 16 November 2008 (at the start of the series) and the Best Actor in Drama Performance: Male award in the 2013 National Television Awards (at the conclusion of the series).{{Cite web |title=Winners |url=http://www.nationaltvawards.com/winners |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121153006/http://www.nationaltvawards.com/winners |archive-date=21 January 2017 |access-date=23 January 2013 |website=Nationaltvawards.com}}

The role of Merlin proved difficult to cast, according to co-creator and executive producer Johnny Capps. "We had to find an actor who has a broad playing range, someone with the lightness of touch who will be able to deal with action and magic", Capps said in a 2011 interview. "We had an instinct about Colin. At first we weren't sure about him but then saw him again and again and we watched back his final auditions and said, 'He's perfect for the part.'"{{Cite web |title=Morgan to cast spell over Brisbane |url=http://www.tweeddailynews.com.au/news/colin-morgan-will-cast-his-spell-over-fans-during/1156139/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812215023/http://www.tweeddailynews.com.au/news/colin-morgan-will-cast-his-spell-over-fans-during/1156139/ |archive-date=12 August 2014 |access-date=4 July 2011}} Before auditioning for the role, Morgan received the script for Prince Arthur by mistake. He only had five minutes before his audition to read over the correct part.{{Cite web |title=Colin Morgan Pictures, Photos & Images |url=http://www.zimbio.com/Colin+Morgan/pictures/pro |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303211012/http://www.zimbio.com/Colin+Morgan/pictures/pro |archive-date=3 March 2012 |access-date=28 November 2015 |website=Zimbio.com}}{{Cite web |title=TV.com: Colin Morgan |url=http://www.tv.com/people/colin-morgan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715073047/http://www.tv.com/people/colin-morgan/ |archive-date=15 July 2014 |access-date=16 July 2014 |publisher=TV.com}}

After spending 2013 in back-to-back stage productions, Morgan reappeared on television as an ambitious journalist in an episode of the 1950s Irish crime drama Quirke, based on the books by John Banville.{{Cite web |title=Digital Spy News |website=Digital Spy |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a451460/merlin-star-colin-morgan-joins-gabriel-byrne-in-bbc-drama-quirke.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610221454/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a451460/merlin-star-colin-morgan-joins-gabriel-byrne-in-bbc-drama-quirke.html |archive-date=10 June 2015 |access-date=19 September 2009}}

Later that year, he took on the role of detective sergeant in the second series of The Fall.{{Cite web |date=10 April 2014 |title=Mirror Online |website=Daily Mirror |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/fall-colin-morgan-lands-lead-3398047 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140411014446/http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/fall-colin-morgan-lands-lead-3398047 |archive-date=11 April 2014 |access-date=10 April 2014}} Morgan was approached to play the role, meeting with writer Allan Cubitt and lead actress Gillian Anderson in London to discuss his involvement. To prepare for his performance, Morgan read up on police procedures and spoke to the set's police advisor. He also did an impromptu interview of two police officers he saw in the street in London.{{Cite news |last=Maureen Coleman |title=Belfast Telegraph |work=Belfasttelegraph |url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/the-fall-returns-we-meet-jamie-dornan-on-set-and-gillian-anderson-reveals-how-playing-dsi-stella-gibson-changed-her-30714707.html |url-status=live |access-date=4 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104135443/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/the-fall-returns-we-meet-jamie-dornan-on-set-and-gillian-anderson-reveals-how-playing-dsi-stella-gibson-changed-her-30714707.html |archive-date=4 November 2014}}

In June 2015, Morgan began his role as the mysterious fugitive Leo Elster in Humans, a British-American AMC / Channel 4 eight-part science fiction drama.{{Cite web |date=13 October 2014 |title=Deadline casting for Humans |url=https://deadline.com/2014/10/katherine-parkinson-tom-goodman-hill-cast-humans-sci-fi-amc-series-850362/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016062846/http://deadline.com/2014/10/katherine-parkinson-tom-goodman-hill-cast-humans-sci-fi-amc-series-850362/ |archive-date=16 October 2014 |access-date=13 October 2014}} Humans was Channel 4's highest-rated drama since The Camomile Lawn (1992).{{Cite web |last=Plunkett |first=John |date=22 June 2015 |title=Humans becomes Channel 4's biggest drama hit in 20 years |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/22/humans-becomes-channel-4s-biggest-drama-hit-in-20-years |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724230116/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/22/humans-becomes-channel-4s-biggest-drama-hit-in-20-years |archive-date=24 July 2019 |access-date=23 June 2015 |website=The Guardian}} Reviewer Paul Simpson described Morgan as one who "always rises to strong material, and [whose] performance has become increasingly engaging as the series has progressed".{{Cite web |last=Simpson |first=Paul |title=Humans: Review: Series 1 Episode 6 |url=http://scifibulletin.com/uk-tv/humans-review-series-1-episode-6/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118223724/http://scifibulletin.com/uk-tv/humans-review-series-1-episode-6/ |archive-date=18 November 2015 |access-date=22 July 2015 |website=Sci-Fi Bulletin}}

In mid-2016, Morgan starred in the BBC One Victorian era ghost hunter series The Living and the Dead as the central character Nathan Appleby.{{Cite web |title=Colin Morgan and Charlotte Spencer set to thrill in new supernatural BBC One drama The Living And The Dead |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2015/living-and-dead-casting |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810035646/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2015/living-and-dead-casting |archive-date=10 August 2015 |access-date=7 August 2015}} Later that year, he reprised his roles in The Fall's third series{{Cite web |last=TV Wise |date=31 August 2015 |title=ZDFE Lines Up French Deal For BBC Two's The Fall |url=http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2015/08/zdfe-lines-up-french-deal-for-bbc-twos-the-fall/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095807/http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2015/08/zdfe-lines-up-french-deal-for-bbc-twos-the-fall/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=31 August 2015}} and in the second series of Humans.{{Cite web |last=MStars News |title=AMC's Humans Season 2: William Hurt, Colin Morgan, Gemma Chan Hit Amazon Prime In 2016 |url=http://www.mstarz.com/articles/94761/20151202/amc-humans-season-2-william-hurt-colin-morgan-amazon-prime-2016.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151206025827/http://www.mstarz.com/articles/94761/20151202/amc-humans-season-2-william-hurt-colin-morgan-amazon-prime-2016.htm |archive-date=6 December 2015 |access-date=2 December 2015}}

Morgan portrayed a homeless drug-addict in the 2010 independent Irish film Parked, for which he spent several weeks in Dublin researching drug addiction and homelessness.{{Cite web |last=Culture NorthernIreland.org |date=14 November 2011 |title=Colin Morgan Parks Up In Belfast |url=http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/article/4579/colin-morgan-parks-up-in-belfast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111119215935/http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/article/4579/colin-morgan-parks-up-in-belfast |archive-date=19 November 2011 |access-date=15 November 2011}}{{Cite web |last=Ripple World |title=Parked |url=http://rippleworld.com/index.php?view=article&id=50 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826060628/http://rippleworld.com/index.php?view=article&id=50 |archive-date=26 August 2011 |access-date=11 March 2010}}{{Cite web |last=William Martin |date=14 March 2012 |title=Cult Box – Darragh Byrne (Parked) interview |url=http://www.cultbox.co.uk/interviews/syndicated/darragh-byrne-parked-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813100738/http://www.cultbox.co.uk/interviews/syndicated/darragh-byrne-parked-interview |archive-date=13 August 2014 |access-date=14 March 2012}} Morgan's performance was praised by multiple critics and director Darragh Byrne.{{Cite web |last=IFFMH |title=Main Award at Mannheim-Heidelberg Film Festival |url=http://iffmh.de/en/Laureates2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127031038/http://iffmh.de/en/Laureates2011 |archive-date=27 November 2011 |access-date=25 November 2011}}{{Cite web |last=Alison Jane Reid |title=Parked A Freewheeling Review |url=http://www.ethical-hedonist.com/parked-a-freewheeling-review-by-alison-jane-reid_1041.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831070039/http://www.ethical-hedonist.com/parked-a-freewheeling-review-by-alison-jane-reid_1041.html |archive-date=31 August 2012 |access-date=16 July 2012}}{{Cite web |last=Gavin Burke |title=Entertainment.ie Parked Review |url=http://entertainment.ie/movie-review/Parked/7897.desk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140616071224/http://entertainment.ie/movie-review/Parked/7897.desk |archive-date=16 June 2014 |access-date=6 October 2011}}

In 2011, Morgan appeared in the film Island, an independent adaptation of Jane Rogers' novel Island.{{Cite web |last=Finite Films |title=Island |url=http://www.finitefilmslondon.com/wp/?p=172 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914044655/http://www.finitefilmslondon.com/wp/?p=172 |archive-date=14 September 2013 |access-date=16 April 2011}}{{Cite web |last=Tailormade Productions |title=Island |url=http://tailormadeproductions.com/the-sea-change/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081106102126/http://tailormadeproductions.com/the-sea-change/ |archive-date=6 November 2008 |access-date=28 December 2009}}

File:Morgan on the filming set of Testament of Youth.jpg, Oxford, England, 9 April 2014]]

Morgan next portrayed WWI British soldier Victor Richardson, in a BBC Films and Heyday Films feature adaptation of Vera Brittain's World War I memoir Testament of Youth.{{Cite web |title=Up&Comers |url=http://upandcomers.net/2014/02/13/testament-of-youth-taron-egerton-colin-morgan-alexandra-roach-alicia-vikander |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017155731/http://upandcomers.net/2014/02/13/testament-of-youth-taron-egerton-colin-morgan-alexandra-roach-alicia-vikander/ |archive-date=17 October 2015 |access-date=14 February 2014}} To prepare for the role of the soldier, Morgan read Brittain's works, as well as personal letters exchanged between Vera, Victor, and their friends. He also contacted a Blind Veterans Charity in Brighton, which allowed him to interview blind people.{{Cite web |last=Cassia Morrice |title=The Upcoming |date=17 October 2014 |url=http://www.theupcoming.co.uk/2014/10/17/testament-of-youth-press-conference-with-the-cast-and-crew/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107021218/http://www.theupcoming.co.uk/2014/10/17/testament-of-youth-press-conference-with-the-cast-and-crew/ |archive-date=7 November 2014 |access-date=17 October 2014}} The British Film Institute's brochure said, "Shining brightly and lingering long in the mind afterwards, are the performances of three rising British stars – Colin Morgan, Taron Egerton and Kit Harington".{{Cite web |last=Clare Stewart |title=British Film Institute 2014 Brochure |url=http://www.emagcloud.com/bfi/BFI_LFF_Brochure_Page_Turner/#/10/ |access-date=3 September 2014}}{{Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}

In the fourth quarter of 2015, Morgan was featured as Frankie Shea, brother-in-law and personal driver of lead characterReggie Kray, in the 1960s London gangster film Legend.{{Cite web |last=upandcomers.net |title=First Look at Emily Browning and Colin Morgan on London set of Legend |url=http://upandcomers.net/2014/06/19/emily-browning-colin-morgan-london-set-legend/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707091231/http://upandcomers.net/2014/06/19/emily-browning-colin-morgan-london-set-legend/ |archive-date=7 July 2014 |access-date=19 June 2014}}

For two days in Blackpool, from 9 to 10 May 2015, Morgan filmed The Laughing King, a short film by White No Sugar TV and Funky Films in support of the UK charity Campaign Against Living Miserably's (CALM) push to raise awareness regarding depression, mental illness and male suicide.{{Cite web |title=White No Sugar TV Official Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/whitenosugartv/status/597188047713804290 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305074145/https://twitter.com/whitenosugartv/status/597188047713804290 |archive-date=5 March 2016 |access-date=10 May 2015 |website=Twitter.com}} He played the role of Jake, a young man who arrives in Blackpool, the seaside town of his childhood, determined to end his life.{{Cite web |title=The Laughing King |url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt5172532/?ref_=m_nmfmd_act_5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306175050/http://m.imdb.com/title/tt5172532/?ref_=m_nmfmd_act_5 |archive-date=6 March 2016 |access-date=14 November 2015 |website=IMDb.com}} It was released on 12 January 2016, in the London Short Film Festival.{{Cite web |title=The Laughing King Official Website |url=http://www.thelaughingkingfilm.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208235118/http://www.thelaughingkingfilm.com/ |archive-date=8 December 2015 |access-date=30 June 2015 |website=Thelaughingkingfilm.com}}{{Cite web |title=The London Short Film Festival: NEW SHORTS: God's Lonely Men: Going Solo |url=http://shortfilms.org.uk/events/2016-01-12-new-shorts-gods-lonely-men-going-solo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209195118/http://shortfilms.org.uk/events/2016-01-12-new-shorts-gods-lonely-men-going-solo |archive-date=9 December 2015 |access-date=10 December 2015}}

In 2015, he was attached to play the lead role of Seán Mac Diarmada in a planned film about the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland.{{Cite web |last=Kay |first=Jeremy |title=Colin Morgan joins The Rising |url=https://www.screendaily.com/production/colin-morgan-joins-the-rising-/5088891.article |access-date=30 January 2025 |website=Screen}}{{Cite web |date=27 June 2016 |title=The Rising Film {{!}} The Irish Film 100 Years In The Making |url=https://www.therising.ie/ |access-date=30 January 2025 |website=web.archive.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627115708/https://www.therising.ie/ |archive-date=27 June 2016}}{{Cite web |last=McKenna |first=Micheal |date=4 April 2015 |title=Armagh actor's lead role in Easter Rising movie |url=https://armaghi.com/whats-on/armagh-actors-lead-role-in-easter-rising-movie/24973 |access-date=30 January 2025 |website=Armagh I}}{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Jessie |date=23 May 2018 |title=Colin Morgan on Irish stories, good advice and aiming for the sublime |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/theatre/colin-morgan-theres-a-real-war-against-mediocrity-right-now-a3846326.html |access-date=30 January 2025 |website=The Standard |language=en}} In 2020, the film producer said he was still seeking additional financing for the project.{{Cite web |date=10 May 2020 |title=Producer hopes to bring Easter Rising filming to Fermanagh and Border region |url=https://www.impartialreporter.com/news/18432859.producer-hopes-bring-easter-rising-filming-fermanagh-border-region/ |access-date=30 January 2025 |website=Impartial Reporter}}

Morgan filmed Waiting for You from May to June 2015.{{Cite web |title=Screen Daily |url=http://www.screendaily.com/news/fanny-ardant-begins-waiting-for-you-shoot/5088835.article |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601131817/http://www.screendaily.com/news/fanny-ardant-begins-waiting-for-you-shoot/5088835.article |archive-date=1 June 2015 |access-date=1 June 2015 |website=Screendaily.com}}{{Cite web |title=Hugh Stoddart News |url=http://www.hughstoddart.co.uk/news.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706180353/http://www.hughstoddart.co.uk/news.php |archive-date=6 July 2015 |access-date=6 July 2015 |website=Hughstoddart.co.uk}} In April 2016, Morgan portrayed the Duke of Blackwood in the Snow White and the Huntsman spin-off, The Huntsman: Winter's War.{{Cite web |title=Colin Morgan |url=http://www.unitedagents.co.uk/colin-morgan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126052942/https://www.unitedagents.co.uk/colin-morgan |archive-date=26 January 2021 |access-date=28 November 2015 |publisher=United Agents}}{{Cite web |date=31 July 2014 |title=Huntsman Release Date: Snow White Prequel Targets April 2016 |url=https://deadline.com/2014/07/huntsman-movie-snow-white-sequel-release-date-april-22-2016-812885/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805225453/http://www.deadline.com/2014/07/huntsman-movie-snow-white-sequel-release-date-april-22-2016/ |archive-date=5 August 2014 |access-date=28 November 2015 |publisher=Deadline}} In the fourth quarter of 2016, Morgan filmed the Oscar Wilde biopic The Happy Prince in Bavaria, Germany.{{Cite web |title=Screen Daily |url=http://m.screendaily.com/5109716.article |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923104506/http://m.screendaily.com/5109716.article |archive-date=23 September 2016 |access-date=22 September 2016 |publisher=Screen Daily}} In mid-2017, Morgan played the title role in Benjamin, a film written and directed by Simon Amstell.{{Cite web |title=Open Palm Films |url=https://www.openpalmfilms.com/benjamin-pre-production |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815164601/https://www.openpalmfilms.com/benjamin-pre-production |archive-date=15 August 2018 |access-date=5 October 2016}}

In 2021, Morgan appeared in Kenneth Branagh's film Belfast, based on the director's childhood during the Troubles. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.{{Cite news |date=17 January 2022 |title=The cast of Belfast and where you've seen them before |work=Belfast Live |url=https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/cast-belfast-youve-seen-before-22641714 |url-status=live |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228152757/https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/cast-belfast-youve-seen-before-22641714 |archive-date=28 February 2022}}{{Cite news |date=8 February 2022 |title=Oscars 2022: Branagh's Belfast gets seven nominations |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-60309164 |url-status=live |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228152747/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-60309164 |archive-date=28 February 2022}} In 2022, he appeared in the film Corsage, which was short-listed for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film as a submission from Austria.{{Cite web |last=Sciences |first=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and |title=95th Oscars Shortlists Announced for 10 Categories |url=https://aframe.oscars.org/news/post/2023-oscars-shortlists |access-date=30 January 2025 |website=Academy Newsletter}}{{Cite web |title=Corsage {{!}} Official Website {{!}} 23 December 2022 |url=https://www.corsagemovie.com/synopsis/ |access-date=30 January 2025 |website=Corsage {{!}} Official Website {{!}} 23 December 2022}} In 2022, he completed filming on Long Day's Journey into Night, an adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's 1956 play. The independent production faced financing challenges.{{Cite news |last=Sulcas |first=Roslyn |date=17 January 2023 |title=Filming Eugene O'Neill When the Elements (and Investors) Don't Cooperate |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/17/movies/long-days-journey-into-night-eugene-oneill-jessica-lange-ed-harris.html |access-date=30 January 2025 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Lauren |date=31 August 2024 |title=Colin Morgan: 'Maybe one day I'll find a way to stay alive on screen' |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/colin-morgan-maybe-one-day-ill-find-a-way-to-stay-alive-on-screen-5nsqgsnmt |access-date=11 February 2025 |website=www.thetimes.com}}

Morgan took part in BBC Radio play Cry Babies by Kim Newman on BBC Radio 4 in March 2009, playing the part of Roger.{{Cite web |date=9 March 2009 |title=The Kim Newman Web Site |url=http://johnnyalucard.com/2009/03/09/cry-babies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127085414/http://johnnyalucard.com/2009/03/09/cry-babies |archive-date=27 January 2013 |access-date=23 January 2009}} In December 2014, he starred as Newton Pulsifer in the first audio dramatisation of the popular book Good Omens, written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, and directed and adapted by Dirk Maggs, also on BBC Radio 4.{{Cite web |date=5 September 2014 |title=Cultbox news headlines |url=http://www.cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/neil-gaiman-and-terry-pratchett-working-on-radio-4-dramatisation-of-good-omens |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908032657/http://www.cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/neil-gaiman-and-terry-pratchett-working-on-radio-4-dramatisation-of-good-omens |archive-date=8 September 2014 |access-date=5 September 2014}}

On 4 December 2016, Morgan read Autumn Journal on BBC Radio 3, which was about Louis MacNeice's poetic testament of life in 1938, written against the turbulent backdrop of the Munich Agreement, the fall of Barcelona and Britain's preparations for an inevitable war.{{Cite web |title=BBC Radio 3 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b084cs48 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130133935/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b084cs48 |archive-date=30 November 2016 |access-date=27 November 2016}}

His first novel, The Ballad of Ronan McCoy, will be published by HarperCollins UK imprint HQ in June 2026.{{Cite web |title=HQ pre-empts debut novel The Ballad of Ronan McCoy from actor Colin Morgan |url=https://www.thebookseller.com/rights/hq-pre-empts-phenomenal-debut-novel-from-actor-colin-morgan |access-date=2 June 2025 |website=The Bookseller |language=En}}

For the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking on 14 April 2012, Morgan performed readings from survivor accounts and testimonials during Titanic: A Commemoration in Music and Film, broadcast live on BBC2 from Belfast's Waterfront Hall.{{Cite web |title=Titanic Stories |url=http://www.the-titanic.com/Titanic-Today/Events/Titanic-A-Commemoration-in-Music-and-Film.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624085951/http://www.the-titanic.com/Titanic-Today/Events/Titanic-A-Commemoration-in-Music-and-Film.aspx |archive-date=24 June 2012 |access-date=14 April 2010}}

On 27 August 2014, Morgan narrated Big Mountain Productions' Addicts Symphony on Channel 4. The one-off documentary followed composer, musician and recovering alcoholic James McConnel as he brought together ten classical musicians whose lives had been blighted by addiction for a spectacular concert.{{Cite web |title=United Voices: Addicts Symphony |url=http://unitedvoices.tv/addicts-symphony |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827051736/http://unitedvoices.tv/addicts-symphony |archive-date=27 August 2014 |access-date=27 August 2014}}{{Cite web |title=Channel 4 Programmes |url=http://www.channel4.com/programmes/addicts-symphony |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827102535/http://www.channel4.com/programmes/addicts-symphony |archive-date=27 August 2014 |access-date=27 August 2014}}

Since 2018, Morgan has narrated The Chronicles ... series for BBC NI, which takes a year-long look at areas in Northern Ireland. Starting with The Chronicles of Mourne, each episode covers a season in the year, starting with spring and moving to winter. In 2020, The Chronicles of Mourne was followed by The Chronicles of Erne, with The Chronicles of Belfast in 2023. In 2024, the series will expand with The Chronicles of Armagh, detailing Morgan's home county.{{Cite web |title=Chronicles of Armagh |url=https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2024/the-chronicles-of-armagh-bbc-northern-ireland |publisher=BBC |date=12 February 2024 |access-date=12 March 2024}}

Morgan voiced Merlin's game sequences in 2012's Merlin: The Game.{{Cite web |date=15 March 2013 |title=Colin Morgan talks lending voice to Merlin Facebook game in new interview |url=http://www.hypable.com/2013/03/15/colin-morgan-merlin-game-behind-the-scenes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016031717/https://www.hypable.com/colin-morgan-merlin-game-behind-the-scenes/ |archive-date=16 October 2022 |access-date=15 March 2013}}{{Cite web |date=27 December 2012 |title=Hypable |url=http://www.hypable.com/2012/12/27/the-merlin-game-unveils-holiday-surprise-colin-morgan-to-voice-game-sequences/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016031717/https://www.hypable.com/the-merlin-game-unveils-holiday-surprise-colin-morgan-to-voice-game-sequences/ |archive-date=16 October 2022 |access-date=27 December 2012}}

File:SDCC10 - Colin Morgan.jpg]]

Morgan has advocated ethical consumerism and practises yoga. He is lactose intolerant and vegetarian.{{cite web |url=https://www.theluminariesmagazine.com/colin-morgan-interview/ |title=Colin Morgan Interview - The Year of The Thoughtful, Intelligent Geek |date=9 March 2012 |last=Reid |first=Alison Jane |publisher=The Luminaries Magazine |access-date=4 March 2024}}

Morgan does not participate in social media, saying: "There's no social media or googling yourself. You only have to do it once to learn never to do it again."{{Cite web |title=Colin Morgan interview: Shakespeare has Merlin firmly under his spell |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-features/10015761/Colin-Morgan-interview-Shakespeare-has-Merlin-firmly-under-his-spell.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501124504/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-features/10015761/Colin-Morgan-interview-Shakespeare-has-Merlin-firmly-under-his-spell.html |archive-date=1 May 2013 |access-date=1 May 2013}}

Morgan has also criticised celebrity culture:

Something has been lost somewhere along the way with the craft of story-telling ... When the creativity is overshadowed by the "business" I often feel disappointed by that. We have some amazing filmmakers who are keeping the spirit of the craft alive and that's a hub of excitement I want to be in.{{Cite web |date=24 March 2014 |title=Hackett: Colin Morgan |url=http://www.hungertv.com/feature/hackett-colin-morgan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126012734/http://www.hungertv.com/feature/hackett-colin-morgan/ |archive-date=26 January 2018 |access-date=25 January 2018}}

From October 2009 until its conclusion in March 2011, Morgan was an ambassador for the A Night Less Ordinary scheme in which Arts Council England offered free theatre tickets to anyone under 26 years old.{{Cite web |title=Arts Council England |url=http://press.artscouncil.org.uk/Photos-and-resources/Colin-Morgan-talks-about-A-Night-Less-Ordinary-42f.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140727030201/http://press.artscouncil.org.uk/Photos-and-resources/Colin-Morgan-talks-about-A-Night-Less-Ordinary-42f.aspx |archive-date=27 July 2014 |access-date=20 November 2009}}{{Cite web |title=Gealach Ros |url=http://gealach-ros.livejournal.com/172811.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140727030211/http://gealach-ros.livejournal.com/172811.html |archive-date=27 July 2014 |access-date=18 July 2014}}{{Cite web |title=Arts Council England |url=http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/funded-projects/case-studies/a-night-less-ordinary/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202145816/http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/funded-projects/case-studies/a-night-less-ordinary/ |archive-date=2 February 2012 |access-date=9 September 2009}} He contributed a painting from the Merlin: Colin and Bradley Quest series to the 2010 BBC Children in Need auction. It sold for £620.

On 9 April 2011, Morgan collected funds for the Great Ormond Street Hospital. On 9 December 2012, he was a part of the 24 Hour Musicals at the Old Vic Theatre, which brought together more than 30 actors, directors, writers and composers to create four short musicals in just 24 hours. The process culminated in four world premieres presented to an audience of more than 1,000, and raised £182,000 towards the work that the theatre does with emerging talent, schools and the community.{{Cite web |title=The Old Vic Annual 2012/13 |url=http://oldvictheatre-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/File/2422.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729084143/http://oldvictheatre-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/File/2422.pdf |archive-date=29 July 2014 |access-date=18 July 2014 |website=Oldvictheatre-assets.s3.amazonaws.com}}

File:Colin Morgan in 2014.jpg world premiere 2014]]

{{Pending films key}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{IMDb name}}
• [https://www.unitedagents.co.uk/colin-morgan Colin Morgan] at United Agents

{{NTA Outstanding Drama Performance}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Morgan, Colin}}

Category:1986 births

Category:Living people

Category:People from Armagh (city)

Category:Alumni of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Category:Male stage actors from Northern Ireland

Category:Male television actors from Northern Ireland

Category:Male film actors from Northern Ireland

Category:Male radio actors from Northern Ireland

Category:Male Shakespearean actors from Northern Ireland

Category:Male voice actors from Northern Ireland

Category:21st-century male actors from Northern Ireland

Category:Merlin (2008 TV series)

Category:Actors from County Armagh