Why Nick Nelson From Heartstopper Looks So Familiar

Charlie Spring's (Joe Locke) boyfriend in Netflix's "Heartstopper" is easy to go gaga over. He's kind, open-minded, supportive, and extremely patient with those he cares about. It also doesn't hurt that he's played by the exceptionally talented Kit Connor.

In the Netflix adaptation of the Alice Oseman graphic novel series, Connor portrays Truham Grammar School for Boys student Nick Nelson. While the skilled rugby player appears to be a typical hard-headed sports type on the outside, it soon becomes obvious that there's more to Nelson than meets the eye. Even before going out with Charlie, Nick brings a wealth of understanding and support to the table, making him easy to love. Once the two start dating, it becomes immeasurably satisfying to watch, as they both support one another through their trials and tribulations. 

Connor, an openly bisexual actor, was proud to bring rich representation to the acclaimed Netflix series, telling GQ that the show, "was for us and the representation we never had." It may have taken some time for Connor's identity to be fully embraced on screen, but it's far from the first example of his talents that audiences have embraced. So, while you're waiting for Season 2 of "Heartstopper," here's a look at where you may have seen Connor before.

Long before capturing our hearts as Nick Nelson, Kit Connor went on the holly jolly adventure of a lifetime in the 2014 holiday film, "Get Santa." The film tells the story of recently released prisoner Steve Anderson (Rafe Spall) and his son, Tom (Connor), as they attempt to save Christmas after learning that Santa Claus (Jim Broadbent) is in jail. At the time of its release, "Get Santa" did moderately well, earning nearly $5 million worldwide and garnering a 79% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes. 

The role would be Connor's first feature film role after gaining minor roles on television shows and movies such as Sky One's "Chickens" and BBC's "An Adventure in Space and Time." The opportunity was an especially meaningful one for the young performer. Not only did working on the film give Connor the chance to work alongside such talents as Warwick Davis, Jim Broadbent, and Jodie Whittaker, but the jingly-jangly subject matter fulfilled a dream for the actor. 

In an interview with Hey U Guys, Connor said, "From the very first start of my acting, I thought when I first think of doing a movie, because I love Christmas, I really wanted it to be a Christmas movie. And just by my luck, it happened." 

The years following "Get Santa" were fortuitous for Kit Connor. In addition to roles on television series like "Rocket's Island" and "War & Peace," Connor also received more notable film roles, with 2018 seeing the actor star in "Grandpa's Great Escape," "Slaughterhouse Rulez," and "Ready Player One." However, the following year proved to be an especially prominent year for Connor, with two larger movie roles. The first of these roles was in the 2019 Oscar-winner, "Rocketman." 

The film, which chronicles British singer-songwriter Elton John's rise to fame, sees Connor as a younger version of the soon-to-be music icon. While learning of his talents, young John also contends with a hectic home life — in particular dealing with his stubborn father, who denies his passions. It's easy to forget just how much such a performance demands. Connor had the tough task of emulating John, while also needing to seamlessly transition to Taron Egerton's portrayal of the adult musician. Oh yeah, and he had to sing... like Elton John.

The latter task was a first for Connor, who told Mulderville USA in an interview, "Yeah I never really done anything like that before, so it was definitely daunting." Thankfully, the team making the film was supportive, leading to a positive experience. "I think the whole crew just kind of welcomed me in, we had a great vocal piano coach," Connor continued. "It was probably the best experience I've had on a film ever." 

Kit Connor's next major role in 2019 may not have been as eccentric as that in "Rocketman," but it nevertheless gave him the room to flex his skills in a different style of acting. In the Jessica Hausner-directed film "Little Joe," Connor stars as Joe Woodard. The film tells the story of single mother and plant breeder Alice Woodard (Emily Beecham) who gifts her lonely son with a newly-developed plant species that she names Little Joe. Alice hopes that the plant will bring happiness to its owner. 

Throughout the film, it is perceived that the plant alters the behavior of its host whenever its pollen is inhaled. Joe seemingly experiences such a change throughout the film. While initially unwilling to even visit his father, Joe later tells his mother that he wants to live with him, believing it would be better for them given her workaholic lifestyle. He continues spreading the pollen and its abilities with his friend Selma (Jessie Mae Alonzo), but later tells his mom that it was only a joke and he simply wants to spend more time with his dad. 

Beginning in 2019, "His Dark Materials" brought the Philip Pullman novel trilogy to life as a fantasy television series. The show follows Lyra Belacqua (Dafne Keen), an orphan who learns of a dark secret surrounding the political body that runs her society, leading to a journey that spans different worlds in an effort to liberate her own. The series concluded in 2022 after three seasons.

In Lyra's world, the souls of humans are linked to shape-shifting animal spirits known as daemons. Lyra's daemon is Pantalaimon, whose voice is provided by none other than Kit Connor in his last role before "Heartstopper." Pantalaimon has yet to settle on a final form, mostly staying as a pine marten, but also changing into everything from an arctic fox to a moth. Unlike his more adventurous human companion, Pantalaimon is far more cautious in his actions and motives. Nevertheless, he is especially loyal to his friend, making their split up in Season 3 all the more heartbreaking. 

It may be literal worlds away from the more grounded "Heartstopper," but Connor believes that fans of the Netflix series will enjoy "His Dark Materials." "I think ['Heartstopper' fans] should absolutely tune into 'His Dark Materials,' yeah," Connor told RadioTimes. "I think that they should not even [to hear me], but just because it's a great show."