Jacob Anderson
Jacob Anderson – Life, Career, and Notable Work
: Learn about British actor and musician Jacob Anderson (born 18 June 1990)—from Game of Thrones to Interview with the Vampire, and his parallel career as Raleigh Ritchie.
Introduction
Jacob Basil Anderson (born 18 June 1990) is a British actor, singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his work in high-profile television series and his music under the stage name Raleigh Ritchie. Grey Worm in Game of Thrones and more recently as Louis de Pointe du Lac in Interview with the Vampire.
His dual careers in acting and music reflect his versatile artistry and ambition to explore emotional depth in multiple forms.
Early Life and Family
Jacob Anderson was born in Bristol, England on 18 June 1990.
From a young age, Anderson was drawn to performing. He participated in school plays and placed significance on storytelling and character work early on.
Acting Career and Achievements
Early TV & Film Work
Anderson’s screen career began with small roles in British television and film:
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2007: He made appearances in Doctors and The Bill.
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He moved on to roles in Casualty, Spooks, and Primeval among others.
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In film, he appeared in Adulthood (2008) as Omen, Chatroom (2010), 4.3.2.1., Demons Never Die, Offender, Comedown, Overlord, and more.
He also performed in stage productions, including King Lear, Dunsinane, and War Horse at the Young Vic and National Theatre, developing his theatrical chops.
Breakthrough — Game of Thrones
In 2013, Anderson was cast as Grey Worm, the commander of the Unsullied army under Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones.
His portrayal was praised for bringing emotional depth, subtlety, and physical dedication to a character who speaks relatively little but carries strong narrative weight.
Recent & Ongoing Work
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Anderson joined the cast of Doctor Who (Series 13) as Vinder, contributing to the show’s centenary special and episodes.
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In 2022, he took on the lead role of Louis de Pointe du Lac in Interview with the Vampire, an adaptation of Anne Rice’s iconic novel.
He has also maintained roles in British dramas such as Broadchurch and Episodes.
Music Career (Raleigh Ritchie)
Parallel to his acting, Anderson has developed a musical career under Raleigh Ritchie (a name derived from characters in The Royal Tenenbaums)
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His debut album You’re a Man Now, Boy was released in 2016, blending alternative R&B, soul, and trip hop, and charted in the UK.
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His second studio album, Andy, was released in 2020.
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He has cited influences such as Erykah Badu, David Bowie, The Smiths, Stevie Wonder among others.
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Songs like Stronger Than Ever achieved commercial attention, and he’s collaborated with other artists (e.g. featuring on a track in Stormzy’s album Gang Signs & Prayer)
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In 2024, he released the EP Dead Ends and Diversions, which included previously unreleased tracks and recordings.
He often comments that his music is a space for self-reflection and emotional processing, complementing his acting work rather than competing with it.
Personality, Style & Influence
Jacob Anderson is known for being introspective, emotionally grounded, and disciplined in his craft. In interview profiles, he often discusses the need for characters to reflect internal struggles and the value of vulnerability in performance.
His dual roles in acting and music afford him flexibility in expression: while acting provides external narrative and character work, music allows more personal voice and direct emotional communication.
As an actor of Afro-Caribbean descent working in British and international productions, he contributes to more authentic representation across genres (fantasy, horror, drama). His success in major franchises helps open doors for more diverse casting.
Notable Quotes & Reflections
Here are some remarks attributed to Anderson that highlight his thinking:
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On adopting roles and identity:
“Acting [used] to be a thing I did because I could get out of my own head … this [role] felt like the opposite.”
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On his approach to music:
“I write songs for myself, to get things off my chest … then I release them … I hope that makes someone feel less lonely.”
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On integrity as an artist:
“On every job I got as an actor, I would pay attention and take note of what everybody was doing.”
These show how he views performance as both discipline and a medium of emotional connection.
Lessons from Jacob Anderson’s Journey
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Pursue multiple passions — Anderson shows that one can cultivate both acting and music without sacrificing integrity or focus.
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Let roles align with emotional truth — His strongest work often emerges when the character’s internal world resonates with his own sensibilities.
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Learn continually — Despite rising early, he emphasizes observing collaborators and absorbing craft on every set.
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Representation matters — By building visibility in major productions, he helps diversify narrative space for actors of minority backgrounds.
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Embrace vulnerability — His creative work often turns toward emotional honesty rather than bravado.
Conclusion
Jacob Anderson is a compelling figure in the contemporary entertainment landscape: a British actor who has left a memorable mark on blockbuster television, and a musician who channels introspection and emotional resonance under the name Raleigh Ritchie. His career demonstrates that versatility, authenticity, and dedication can crossover boundaries of genre and medium.