As Bridgerton season four premieres on Netflix, Luke Thompson steps into the spotlight as Benedict Bridgerton, drawing fans eager to uncover the man behind the character. The series, inspired by Julia Quinn's novel An Offer from a Gentleman, sees Benedict enchanted by a mysterious silver-clad woman at a masquerade ball, setting the stage for a captivating romantic plot.
Luke Thompson's Early Life and French Roots
Born in Southampton, Luke Thompson spent most of his childhood in France from the age of two. His father worked as an engineer at Disneyland Paris, while his mother was a teacher. Growing up with two siblings, he attended the Lycée International François-Ier in Fontainebleau from 1997 to 2005, immersing himself in French culture and education.
In 2006, he returned to England to study at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Fluent in French, Thompson once confessed to The Standard that he felt more comfortable speaking French than English in his youth, describing how English initially left him feeling blank.
Why Luke Thompson Avoids Social Media
Unlike many celebrities, Luke Thompson actively shuns social media, preferring to keep his personal life private. In 2023, he expressed that social media had wrecked his attention span and was detrimental to actors. On the Brydon + I podcast, he explained that sharing too much online can colour public perception, stating, "For me, acting has always been about being some sort of empty vessel."
Theatre Career and Stage Success
Luke Thompson began his career in theatre, with his first professional role as Lysander in A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Globe Theatre, earning award nominations. He continued in other Globe productions, such as Blue Stockings, Julius Caesar, and The Broken Heart. Notably, he stepped into a role originally meant for his Bridgerton co-star Jonathan Bailey in the 2018 King Lear production starring Ian McKellen.
Film Appearances and Language Skills
Thompson made his film debut with a minor role in Christopher Nolan's acclaimed war film Dunkirk in 2017. His other credits include the comedy-drama Misbehaviour and the upcoming biographical drama Elsinore. Beyond acting, he is skilled in Italian, having narrated parts of the audiobook My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier in Italian to match the novel's setting.
With Bridgerton season four now streaming, Luke Thompson's dedication to his craft and private lifestyle continues to intrigue audiences worldwide.
