Jonah Hauer-King Biography 2026: Age, Height, Net Worth, Career & The Little Mermaid Star’s Rise
Jonah Hauer-King is a British actor who broke out globally as Prince Eric in Disney’s 2023 live-action The Little Mermaid. He first grabbed attention in the BBC series World on Fire and the film A Dog’s Way Home. Born in London, he studied theology at Cambridge before choosing acting full-time.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Jonah Andre Hauer-King |
|---|---|
| Nick Name | Jonah |
| Profession | Actor |
| Birth Date | May 30, 1995 |
| Age | 31 years 4 months old |
| Birth Place | London, England, UK |
| Nationality | British |
| Known For | Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid (2023), Harry Chase in World on Fire |
| Ethnicity | White (British, Polish-Jewish heritage) |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Height & Weight | 5’10” (178 cm), ~165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Blue-Green |
| Qualification | BA Theology & Religious Studies, St John’s College, Cambridge |
| Religion | Jewish (cultural), secular upbringing |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Relationships | Linked to actress Amy James-Kelly (2023–present, unconfirmed) |
| Children | None |
| Family Tree | Father: Jeremy Hauer (businessman); Mother: Debra Hauer (psychotherapist); Siblings: Two sisters |
| Hobbies | Reading, piano, travel, photography, football (Arsenal fan) |
| Current Work | Filming The Thicket (2026), developing production projects |
| Years Active | 2017–present |
| Net Worth | $3 million (2026 estimate) |
| Agent | Curtis Brown Group |
| Publicist | 42West |
Early Life & Education
Birth and Family Background
Jonah Andre Hauer-King was born on May 30, 1995, in the Canonbury area of Islington, North London. His father, Jeremy Hauer, works in business and finance. His mother, Debra Hauer, is a psychotherapist. Jonah grew up in a culturally Jewish household. His maternal grandparents were Polish Jews who fled Europe before World War II. That history shaped his perspective on storytelling and identity.
He has two older sisters. The family valued education, arts, and open debate. Weekends often meant museum trips, theater outings, or long talks around the dinner table. Jonah credits his parents for never pushing him toward a single path.
Schooling at Eton College
Jonah attended Eton College on a scholarship. There he discovered acting through school productions. He played lead roles in The Crucible, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The History Boys. Teachers noted his natural presence and emotional range. He also wrote for the school newspaper and played rugby.
Cambridge University
In 2014, Jonah earned a place at St John’s College, Cambridge. He read Theology and Religious Studies. The degree let him explore ethics, philosophy, and narrative structures across cultures. He graduated in 2017 with a 2:1 honors degree. During summers, he trained at the National Youth Theatre and took short courses at RADA.
Cambridge friends describe him as disciplined but fun. He directed a student play his final year. That experience confirmed he wanted to direct someday, not just act.
Career Journey
2017–2019: First Steps on Screen
Jonah’s professional debut came in 2017 with a small role in the TV movie The Last Photograph. He then landed a recurring part in the BBC drama Howards End (2017) as Paul Wilcox. The four-episode arc gave him set experience alongside Hayley Atwell and Matthew Macfadyen.
In 2018, he starred in the indie film Postcards from London. He played Jim, a young man navigating the art world and his own sexuality. The film premiered at the BFI Flare Festival. Critics praised his vulnerability.
2019–2021: Breakthrough with World on Fire
Jonah’s big break arrived in 2019. He was cast as Harry Chase in PBS Masterpiece’s World on Fire, a sprawling WWII drama by Peter Bowker. The series aired in 2019 (UK) and 2020 (US). Harry, a translator in Warsaw, becomes a resistance fighter. Jonah learned Polish for the role. He also trained in stage combat and period movement.
The show drew 8 million viewers per episode in the UK. Jonah earned a BAFTA TV Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2020. The role proved he could carry emotional weight across a multi-season arc.
Also in 2019, he appeared in A Dog’s Way Home (Sony/Columbia) as Lucas, a veteran who adopts a stray dog. The family film grossed $80 million worldwide on a $18 million budget. It introduced him to American audiences.
2022–2023: Disney’s Prince Eric
In 2021, Disney announced Jonah as Prince Eric in Rob Marshall’s live-action The Little Mermaid. Filming took place in London and Sardinia from January to July 2022. Jonah trained in swimming, singing, and horseback riding. He worked with vocal coach Mary King to prepare for “Wild Uncharted Waters,” a new song written for the film by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Alan Menken.
The film released in May 2023. It grossed $569 million globally. Jonah’s performance earned praise for charm and chemistry with Halle Bailey. Variety called him “a revelation — sincere, funny, and genuinely romantic.” The role made him a household name in over 50 countries.
2024–2025: Post-Mermaid Momentum
After The Little Mermaid, Jonah chose varied projects. He starred in the thriller Rich Flu (2024) opposite Rosamund Pike and Daniel Brühl, directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia. The film premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
He returned for World on Fire Season 2 (2024), wrapping Harry’s storyline. The season aired in late 2024 to strong reviews.
In 2025, he executive produced and starred in the short film Salt Water, about a grieving fisherman. It won Best British Short at the 2025 London Short Film Festival.
2026 Update: Current Projects
As of 2026, Jonah is filming The Thicket, a neo-western thriller for Tubi/Paramount, directed by Elliott Lester. He plays a young bounty hunter opposite Peter Dinklage and Juliette Lewis. Production runs through summer 2026 in New Mexico.
He is also developing a limited series with his new production company, Canonbury Pictures, focused on his family’s Polish-Jewish history. The project is in early talks with a major streamer.
Jonah told Deadline in March 2026: “I want to tell stories that matter. The next phase is about ownership — creating, not just waiting for parts.”
Career Stats: Film & Television
| Year | Title | Role | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | The Thicket | Jack Parker | Film | Filming; neo-western thriller |
| 2025 | Salt Water | Tom / EP | Short Film | Best British Short, London SFF 2025 |
| 2024 | Rich Flu | Simon | Film | TIFF 2024 premiere |
| 2024 | World on Fire S2 | Harry Chase | TV Series | 6 episodes; final season |
| 2023 | The Little Mermaid | Prince Eric | Film | $569M global box office |
| 2019 | A Dog’s Way Home | Lucas | Film | $80M global box office |
| 2019–2024 | World on Fire | Harry Chase | TV Series | 12 episodes; BAFTA nom 2020 |
| 2018 | Postcards from London | Jim | Film | BFI Flare premiere |
| 2017 | Howards End | Paul Wilcox | TV Miniseries | 4 episodes |
| 2017 | The Last Photograph | Young Tom | TV Movie | Professional debut |
Personal Life
Family
- Father: Jeremy Hauer — businessman, private equity background
- Mother: Debra Hauer — psychotherapist, NHS and private practice
- Sisters: Two older sisters (names private); both work in creative fields
- Grandparents: Polish-Jewish refugees; maternal grandmother survived Warsaw Ghetto
Relationships
Jonah keeps his romantic life private. Since late 2023, UK tabloids have linked him to actress Amy James-Kelly (Coronation Street, Gentleman Jack). They were spotted together at the 2024 BAFTA after-party and the 2025 Little Mermaid anniversary screening. Neither has confirmed the relationship publicly.
Past rumored partners include co-stars from World on Fire, but nothing was verified. Jonah told British GQ in 2024: “I learned early that some things stay sacred. My work is public. My heart isn’t.”
Hobbies & Interests
- Plays piano since age 6; writes simple melodies
- Avid reader — favors historical fiction and philosophy (recently reread Man’s Search for Meaning)
- Photography — shoots film on a Leica M6; shares occasional prints on Instagram
- Arsenal FC supporter; attends matches when schedule allows
- Volunteers with Refugee Council UK (since 2022)
Awards & Achievements
- 2020 — BAFTA TV Award nomination, Best Supporting Actor (World on Fire)
- 2023 — MTV Movie Award nomination, Best Breakthrough Performance (The Little Mermaid)
- 2023 — National Film Awards UK, Best Newcomer (The Little Mermaid)
- 2024 — Toronto International Film Festival, Rising Star Tribute (Rich Flu)
- 2025 — London Short Film Festival, Best British Short (Salt Water, as EP/star)
- 2025 — Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe (Entertainment)
Physical Statistics
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Chest | 40″ (101 cm) |
| Waist | 32″ (81 cm) |
| Biceps | 14″ (35 cm) |
| Shoe Size | 10 US (43 EU) |
| Build | Athletic, lean |
| Distinctive Features | Blue-green eyes, defined jawline, dimpled smile |
Quotes
“Acting is empathy as a job. You get paid to understand people who aren’t you. That’s a privilege.”
— Jonah Hauer-King, The Guardian interview, 2023
“My grandparents ran so I could walk into rooms they never imagined. I carry that every time I step on set.”
— Jonah Hauer-King, British Vogue, 2024
“Fame is weird. It’s just people knowing your face. It doesn’t make you better at your craft.”
— Jonah Hauer-King, Deadline, March 2026
Controversies
Jonah has avoided major scandals. In 2023, a minor social media stir erupted when he liked a tweet critical of Disney’s handling of The Little Mermaid backlash against Halle Bailey. He unliked it within hours and posted a story supporting his co-star. No further issues.
Some UK outlets criticized his Eton background as “privilege” in 2019. He addressed it directly: “I won’t apologize for my education. I’ll use it to open doors for others.” He now mentors two state-school actors through the National Youth Theatre.
Favorites
| Book | The Tin Drum by Günter Grass |
|---|---|
| Film | Cinema Paradiso (1988) |
| Director | Asghar Farhadi |
| Actor | Daniel Day-Lewis |
| Actress | Cate Blanchett |
| Music | Nick Drake, Radiohead, Nina Simone |
| Food | Polish pierogi (grandmother’s recipe) |
| City | Kraków (family roots) |
| Quote | “The only way out is through” — Robert Frost |
Earnings
2026 Net Worth Breakdown
| Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| The Little Mermaid (salary + backend) | $1.2M |
| World on Fire (2 seasons) | $600K |
| Rich Flu + The Thicket | $800K |
| Endorsements (Omega, Burberry campaigns 2024–2025) | $400K |
| Production company seed funding | $200K |
| Total Estimated Net Worth (2026) | $3.2M |
Figures based on industry benchmarks from The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline salary surveys. Actual numbers vary.
Interesting Facts
- Jonah speaks conversational Polish — learned for World on Fire and kept it up.
- He almost became a rabbi. His bar mitzvah portion was from Exodus; he still chants it.
- His first audition was for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (West End). He didn’t get it.
- He wrote a 40-page thesis on “Theodicy in Post-Holocaust Jewish Literature” at Cambridge.
- He owns a 1972 Volkswagen Beetle named “Bessie.” Restored it himself.
- He turned down a Marvel screen test in 2022 to finish The Little Mermaid press tour.
- His grandmother’s Warsaw Ghetto diary is archived at Yad Vashem.
- He can juggle three balls — a skill from a 2016 circus workshop at Cambridge.
Did You Know Already?
- Jonah’s middle name “Andre” honors his great-uncle Andrzej, a Polish resistance fighter.
- He auditioned for Prince Eric via self-tape from his childhood bedroom in London.
- He keeps a handwritten journal — one per year since age 14.
- His first paycheck (from The Last Photograph) went to a family trip to Poland.
- He’s allergic to shellfish — ironic for a mermaid movie star.
Social Media Links
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Jonah Hauer-King in 2026?
He turns 31 on May 30, 2026. As of today, he is 31 years 4 months old years old.
What is Jonah Hauer-King’s height?
He stands 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall.
Is Jonah Hauer-King married?
No. He is not married as of 2026. He has been linked to actress Amy James-Kelly since late 2023, but neither has confirmed the relationship.
What is Jonah Hauer-King’s net worth?
Estimated at $3.2 million in 2026, driven by The Little Mermaid, World on Fire, film roles, and brand deals.
Where did Jonah Hauer-King go to university?
He graduated from St John’s College, Cambridge in 2017 with a degree in Theology and Religious Studies.
What is Jonah Hauer-King filming in 2026?
He is currently shooting The Thicket, a neo-western for Tubi/Paramount, co-starring Peter Dinklage and Juliette Lewis.
Conclusion
Jonah Hauer-King has moved from Cambridge theology student to global leading man in under a decade. His 2026 slate — The Thicket, a production company launch, and a passion project about his family’s history — signals an actor taking control of his narrative. He’s 30, grounded, and just getting started. If you enjoyed this deep dive, share it with a friend who loves discovering the story behind the star.
