From Miami high schooler to the face of global fashion campaigns
In short: Before he was a household name on Netflix, Brandon Flynn was a student of the arts in Florida and London. Now, the American actor has transitioned from playing troubled teenagers to becoming a prominent figure in both international cinema and high-fashion advertising.
Born in Miami, Florida, on October 11, 1993, Brandon Flynn’s path to stardom was rooted in formal classical training. After attending the New World School of the Arts, he earned a Fine Arts degree from Rutgers University's Mason Gross School of the Arts. He further refined his craft in London at the Globe Theatre's Shakespeare Conservatory.
Flynn gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Justin Foley in the Netflix drama 13 Reasons Why, which ran from 2017 to 2020. His performance was noted for its complexity, depicting a character navigating addiction and homelessness. This role helped establish him as a significant figure in LGBTQ visibility, earning him a Queerty Award in 2018 for his contributions to representation. The character he portrayed was a popular high school athlete who faced a traumatic domestic life.
His filmography spans diverse genres, from the dark indie comedy Looks That Kill (2020) to the historical drama Manhunt (2024). Beyond the screen, Flynn has maintained a presence in the New York theater scene, appearing in productions such as Kid Victory (2017) and Kowalski (2025). His stage work includes playing a young Marlon Brando in the play Kowalski and appearing in the play Spirit of the People. He also appeared in the production of Data at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in 2026.
In recent years, his influence has extended into the fashion industry through multiple Calvin Klein campaigns, including the 2023 Pride and holiday campaigns, as well as the Spring 2024 menswear collection. Off-screen, Flynn has been an active voice in social justice, participating in protests in Los Angeles and advocating for marriage equality and transgender rights. He is engaged to Jordan Tannahill, whom he met during rehearsals for the play Prince Faggot. Additionally, he has worked on a screen adaptation of the novel Rent Boy.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Brandon Flynn
- Also: Wikidata — Brandon Flynn · CC0
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