Michael Socha
Michael Socha (born December 13, 1987) is an English actor best known for This Is England, Being Human, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, and The Gallows Pole. Discover his journey, roles, influences, and lessons from his path.
Introduction
Michael Robert Socha, born December 13, 1987, is a versatile English actor who gained prominence through gritty drama, supernatural series, and fantasy roles. From playing troubled youth in This Is England to supernatural characters in Being Human and fantasy settings in Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, his career spans genres and demonstrates both emotional depth and physical intensity.
Early Life & Background
Michael Socha was born in Littleover, Derby, Derbyshire, England. His parents are Kathleen (née Lyons) and Robert Socha. He is the older brother of actress Lauren Socha.
He grew up in Derby and attended St Benedict Catholic School in Darley Abbey. As a youth, he described himself as rebellious and skipped school at times.
His introduction to acting came when his mother read about auditions with a local youth theatre group (Chellaston Youth Players). He and his sister Lauren auditioned; Michael won the lead role of Bugsy Malone. He later joined the Central Junior Television Workshop in Nottingham as a teenager, which proved pivotal to his training and early development.
Before acting full-time, Michael held various jobs, including factory work, as a laborer, car wash work, and bricklaying with his uncle’s construction firm. His father struggled with alcohol abuse, and he passed away in 2004, which brought added responsibilities on Michael, making him more independent.
Career & Breakthroughs
Early Roles & This Is England
Michael’s debut major film role came in 2006, when he played Harvey, a school bully, in Shane Meadows’ This Is England. He reprised this role in subsequent television adaptations: This Is England '86, ’88, and ’90.
In 2008, he appeared in Summer (directed by Kenneth Glenaan), and also in Better Things and Dogging: A Love Story. He also had minor roles in Casualty and TV films like The Unloved.
Being Human and Supernatural Drama
In 2011, Socha took up the role of Tom McNair, a werewolf, in the supernatural drama Being Human (BBC Three). Though initially recurring, his character became part of the main cast in later seasons. His portrayal was known for its physicality and emotional vulnerability.
Fantasy Roles & Beyond
In 2013, Michael joined Once Upon a Time in Wonderland as the Knave of Hearts / Will Scarlet. The cancellation of that series resulted in him being integrated into Once Upon a Time proper.
Other notable credits include:
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The Aliens (2016) — leading roles in a sci-fi British drama.
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Chernobyl (2019) — Socha appeared in the acclaimed miniseries.
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The Gallows Pole (2023) — he played “King” David Hartley in this period drama.
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He also maintains a broad filmography in movies—from crime dramas to biographical pieces.
Socha has also worked in theatre. For instance, in 2009, he made his stage debut in Glamour at Nottingham Playhouse.
Style, Persona & Strengths
Michael Socha is often cast in roles that require a combination of intensity, internal conflict, and physical transformation. His performances tend to blend raw emotion with grounded realism, whether as a troubled youth in gritty settings (e.g., This Is England) or as a supernatural being grappling with identity (e.g., Being Human).
He has spoken of pushing himself—particularly in scenes demanding physical exertion or transformation—and has admitted to sustaining minor injuries during filming.
Socha’s background—working-class roots, familial instability, early exposure to theatre—gives him a grounding that helps him embody characters from diverse strata realistically.
Personal Life
Michael Socha has a son named Elis with a former partner, Faye. They had separated sometime before 2016.
He tends to keep a relatively low public profile regarding his private life and relationships beyond this.
Lessons & Takeaways
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Use early struggle as strength
Michael’s upbringing, exposure to jobs outside acting, and emotional challenges informed his capacity to portray layered characters authentically. -
Versatility matters
Crossing genres—from realistic drama to fantasy and supernatural—has helped keep his career dynamic. -
Small beginnings can lead to big breaks
His entry into theatre and youth workshops—not glitzy auditions—laid the foundation for his later success. -
Physical commitment adds depth
Roles requiring strain, transformation, or physical action ground his characters in believable embodiment. -
Sustain privacy
While many actors publicize every aspect of their lives, Michael seems to maintain a balance, which may help longevity and focus.