Michael Socha

Michael Robert Socha was born on December 13, 1987, in Derby, Derbyshire, England. His early life involved attending St Benedict Catholic School and later Burton & South Derbyshire College. Initially a rebellious pupil, his interest in acting was sparked when he successfully auditioned for the lead role of Bugsy Malone in a school play. He further developed his skills at the Central Junior Television Workshop in Nottingham. Socha’s father passed away in 2004 due to alcohol-related issues, an event that influenced his personal development and drive.

Socha’s acting career commenced with a breakthrough role in 2006 as the school bully Harvey in Shane Meadows’ film “This Is England.” This led to further collaborations with Meadows, including the television series “This Is England ’86” and its sequels. He gained additional recognition for his portrayal of Tom McNair, a young werewolf, in the BBC Three series “Being Human” from 2011 to 2013, a role he earned after a personal challenge. His career expanded internationally with his role as the Knave of Hearts in “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland” (2013–2014), which transitioned into a main cast role in the fourth season of “Once Upon a Time” (2014–2015).

Throughout his career, Socha has demonstrated versatility across various genres. Notable film roles include Julot in the 2017 remake of “Papillon” and Bill Twist in “The Keeper” (2018). On television, he appeared in “The Aliens” (2016), “Chernobyl” (2019), and most recently took on the lead role of ‘King’ David Hartley in Shane Meadows’ 2023 BBC Two series “The Gallows Pole.” His work with Shane Meadows, in particular, highlights his ability to improvise and deliver authentic performances, cementing his reputation as a dedicated and influential actor.