Paterson Joseph, born in 1964 in Willesden, London, is an actor and author. After studying at Lamda, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and later gained fame through television, notably in “Peep Show.” In 2022, he published his acclaimed novel, The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho, and a children’s book titled Ten Children Who Changed the World. Currently, he is a judge for the 2025 Nero Book Awards.
Growing up in a busy flat above a shop with six siblings, Joseph’s childhood was lively. His mother worked at McVitie’s factory, which meant plenty of biscuits—but rationed to three a night. This environment forced him to be creative. School was a challenge, especially in a predominantly white setting. On his first day, he hesitated to answer a simple question about a tiger, which led to feeling dismissed.
His turning point came when a teacher from Goa, Mrs. Bird, took an interest in him despite his struggles. She noticed how these children often got overlooked, especially those from working-class or immigrant backgrounds.
Reading was his escape. He consumed everything—from Oscar Wilde to the Mills & Boon books his sisters enjoyed. At 14, he auditioned for the National Youth Theatre but didn’t get in due to shyness. However, he found a more supportive environment at The Cockpit in Marylebone, where he began to gain confidence.
Looking back, he reflects on how he plays characters that embody control on the outside while dealing with panic inside. In “Peep Show,” for instance, he portrayed a character who seems confident but is deeply flawed. He notes that many people in power hide their true fears under a facade.
In his Hollywood debut for The Beach, he didn’t view it as a career launch. To him, it was just another role. He resisted the stereotype that black actors must fit a certain mold, instead focusing on his craft. Working with actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Tilda Swinton inspired him further. They often had discussions about the importance of storytelling and how to leave a lasting legacy.
His experiences shaped his writing. During the pandemic, he pushed himself to finish a novel, driven by a desire to tell stories about black British history before the Windrush.
Joseph has always believed in writing as a form of empowerment. His childhood dream of being a writer feels fulfilled, surprising the teenager he once was. Today, he stands as an example of how perseverance can defy expectations.
