Who is Brandon Flynn? The American actor who also happens to be dating Sam Smith
Brandon Flynn is currently starring in a Netflix teen drama 13 Reasons Why. Oh, and he’s dating Sam Smith!
The American actor from Miami has been sparking the curiosity of Sam Smith fans across the world since the announcement that he and the award-winning singer are in a relationship.
Last year Sam Smith confirmed that he was no longer single when he appeared on The Ellen Show. The show’s host Ellen DeGeneres exclaimed “You found somebody!” before asking if his new found happiness would impact on his conventionally sombre song writing.
Comparing his previous albums to being about heartbreak and loneliness, Smith said: “It’s weird bringing out an album and not being single.”
Fans had to wait for an Instagram post months later, before the identity of Smith’s new partner was officially confirmed as Brandon Flynn.
Related: Sam Smith quits drinking as he opens up about mental health struggle
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella)
But who is Sam Smith’s new man?
Brandon Flynn and Smith share a creative gene. Flynn attended the Mason Gross School of Arts, Rutgers University in New Jersey, and graduated in 2016 with a degree in Fine Arts.
Brandon’s artistic passion flourished during his childhood, taking part in theatre performances at an early age.
Having graduated, Brandon continued his acting career with early notable appearances in BrainDead, a US comedy-drama about American politics. The following year, Brandon took to the stage at the Vineyard Theater in New York where he played Luke in the off-broadway production of Kid Victory.
In a review of the production, The Hollywood Reporter commented: “Under Liesl Tommy’s direction, the acting is fine, with Flynn moving as the troubled teen.
“But the performers’ efforts are undercut by a show that strains for emotional profundity and instead seems merely exploitative.”
Related: Sam Smith explains those intense kissing pics with Brandon Flynn
(Brandon Flynn and Karen Ziemba in Kid Victory, Carol Rosegg)
Now stepping into a new role, Brandon is currently starring in the American mystery teen drama 13 Reasons Why playing the character of Justin Foley. The Netflix series first aired last March, with a total of thirteen episodes.
13 Reasons Why currently holds a 79 percent review on Rotten Tomatoes and scored 8.3/10 on IMDb.
“There’s a rich seam of action to be found in the melodrama of school corridors, and Netflix’s latest, 13 Reasons Why, attempts to portray almost every aspect of it” commented Guardian freelance writer Rebecca Nicolas.
The series has been commissioned for a second season, which will be coming out this year.
“I’m happy it’s getting the recognition it deserves.” said the star when speaking about the series with The GATE. “All of us are putting our hearts and our souls into it… it takes a toll.”
This month the actor shared with his Instagram followers his anticipation for the show’s second season.
“A year ago we showed the world this beautiful show and it’s been madness and beauty ever since. To everyone involved, I hope you’re having a beautiful day.
“To all the people who tuned in, you are the reason why we do this crazy thing.
“Can’t wait to show you Season Two.”
(Getty)
Brandon came out publicly through an Instagram post in the run up to the Australian marriage equality referendum. He posted a picture of a rainbow flag and wrote: “Equality takes courage, it worries me that too many people in this world lack the balls to stand up for what is right. #f***hate”
He later took to Instagram to confirm rumours about his relationship with Smith, uploading a picture of the pair wearing matching unicorn hats.
The couple continue to attract attention from fans, with pictures of the couple in New York, London and Sydney frequently circulating on social media.
Sam also featured in Brandon’s “a few of my favourite things from 2017” Instagram post at the start of the year via a picture of him and the singer-songwriter looking loved up.
Perhaps if you weren’t already paying attention to the romance, this paparazzi photo of the couple having a smooch may have caught your eye.
Related: Brandon Flynn and Sam Smith are completely loved up and it’s adorable
The American actor joined Nick Grimshaw on BBC Radio 1 last month to clear things up: “It was a joke – as a joke we were attacking each other.
“We were just waiting outside the shop while my sister got cigarettes. I was just joking.
“I was literally licking his eyeballs. It’s horrendous.”
Sam then poked fun at his boyfriend, saying: “He looks like Ursula sucking the voice out of Ariel. It’s so embarrassing.”
While Brandon has his hands full with filming season 2 of 13 Reasons Why, fans on both sides of the aisle await their next joint outing.
