Robert Aramayo at a Glance

Robert Aramayo is an English actor from Hull whose career has moved from theatre and television to major international film and fantasy productions. He first became widely recognised for playing the young Eddard “Ned” Stark in Game of Thrones, before taking on the role of Elrond in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. He has also appeared in films including Nocturnal Animals, Antebellum, The Empty Man, The King’s Man, Dance First and Palestine 36.

In 2025 and 2026, Aramayo reached another important stage of his career with I Swear, in which he plays Scottish Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson. His performance earned him the 2026 BAFTA for Leading Actor, while he also won the publicly voted EE Rising Star Award.

For viewers searching for Robert Aramayo movies and TV shows, his filmography offers a useful example of an actor who has steadily moved between historical drama, psychological thrillers, horror, fantasy and character-driven British cinema.

Who Is Robert Aramayo?

Robert Aramayo was born on 6 November 1992 in Kingston upon Hull, England. He developed an interest in acting at a young age and performed in a primary-school production of Bugsy Malone. He later attended Hull’s Wyke College before gaining a place at the Juilliard School in New York, where he studied acting.

His Juilliard training helped establish the foundation for a career that would eventually span stage work, television and feature films. One of his early significant performances came in a Juilliard production of A Clockwork Orange, where he played Alex. That work helped lead to his first feature-film opportunities.

Although international audiences initially recognised him because of Game of Thrones, Aramayo has since built a much broader body of work.

His career is particularly interesting because he has not remained associated with one type of role. He has played real historical figures, fictional characters, fantasy heroes, troubled individuals and psychologically complex characters.

Robert Aramayo and Game of Thrones

One of Robert Aramayo’s earliest major television roles was young Eddard Stark in Game of Thrones.

He appeared in four episodes across seasons six and seven, portraying a younger version of the character played in the main timeline by Sean Bean. His appearances were closely connected to the show’s exploration of Ned Stark’s past and the history surrounding the Stark family.

The role was relatively small in terms of screen time, but it gave Aramayo an important international platform.

For many viewers, this is still the performance that immediately comes to mind when they see the name Robert Aramayo. It also placed him in the same wider Game of Thrones world as actors such as Alfie Allen, Aidan Gillen and Andy Serkis, although their characters and roles in the franchise are very different.

Why Was Robert Aramayo Cast as Young Ned Stark?

The role required an actor who could convincingly resemble the younger version of a character audiences already knew while also communicating Ned Stark’s personality and history.

Aramayo’s performance helped establish him as an actor capable of making an impression in a large ensemble cast without relying on extensive screen time.

That experience became an important early step before he moved into more substantial leading and supporting roles.

Robert Aramayo as Elrond in The Rings of Power

For a new generation of viewers, Robert Aramayo is perhaps best known as Elrond in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

The Prime Video fantasy series is set in Middle-earth’s Second Age, thousands of years before the events depicted in The Lord of the Rings. Aramayo plays a younger version of Elrond, the half-elven character associated with the history of Middle-earth.

His portrayal is significantly different from his performance as young Ned Stark. Elrond is a diplomat, scholar and statesman who finds himself involved in major events affecting the future of Middle-earth.

The role also gives Aramayo considerable room to develop a character across multiple seasons.

Prime Video’s series features Aramayo alongside actors including Morfydd Clark and Ismael Cruz Córdova.

Is Robert Aramayo Aragorn?

No. Robert Aramayo does not play Aragorn.

This is an easy confusion for viewers searching for actors connected with The Lord of the Rings. Aramayo plays Elrond in The Rings of Power, while Aragorn is a completely different character.

Elrond and Aragorn are, however, connected within Tolkien’s wider mythology. Elrond is an important figure in the history of Middle-earth, while Aragorn becomes one of the central characters in The Lord of the Rings.

So if you are searching for Robert Aramayo because you remember him from a Middle-earth production, the character you are looking for is Elrond, not Aragorn.

Robert Aramayo Movies

Robert Aramayo’s film career includes a mixture of independent films, major studio productions and critically recognised British and international projects.

Here are some of the most notable Robert Aramayo movies.

Nocturnal Animals (2016)

In Tom Ford’s psychological thriller Nocturnal Animals, Aramayo appears as Steve “Turk” Adams, although he was credited as Rob Aramayo.

The film stars Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal and combines a contemporary relationship drama with a dark story-within-a-story structure.

For Aramayo, the film was an early opportunity to work within a prestigious feature-film cast.

Lost in Florence (2017)

Lost in Florence was one of Aramayo’s early feature-film roles. He plays Sal in the romantic drama set in Florence.

The film arrived during the early stage of his screen career, following his theatrical training and early television work.

Galveston (2018)

Aramayo appeared in Mélanie Laurent’s crime drama Galveston as Tray.

The film stars Ben Foster and Elle Fanning and is based on the novel by Nic Pizzolatto. It gave Aramayo another opportunity to work in a darker, adult-oriented drama outside the fantasy genre.

The Standoff at Sparrow Creek (2018)

In The Standoff at Sparrow Creek, Aramayo plays Keating.

The tense thriller centres on a group of militia members trying to identify a possible traitor among them after a shooting. The film is notable for its contained setting and emphasis on suspicion, dialogue and psychological pressure.

Stray Dolls (2019)

Aramayo plays Jimmy in Stray Dolls, an independent crime drama directed by Sonejuhi Sinha.

The film follows two women working at a roadside motel and explores crime, identity and survival.

Eternal Beauty (2019)

In Eternal Beauty, Aramayo appears as Johnny. The film stars Sally Hawkins and explores relationships, mental health and family dynamics through an unconventional dramatic style.

It is another example of Aramayo taking on a role far removed from the heroic or fantasy characters for which many viewers know him.

Antebellum (2020)

One of the more recognisable entries in his filmography is Antebellum, the psychological horror film directed by Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz.

Aramayo plays Daniel, appearing opposite Janelle Monáe.

The film uses a disturbing mystery surrounding race, identity and historical trauma, placing Aramayo in a darker and more unsettling setting than his fantasy work.

The Empty Man (2020)

Aramayo plays Garrett in The Empty Man, a supernatural horror film directed by David Prior.

The movie combines elements of mystery, psychological horror and supernatural thriller. It is one of the more genre-heavy projects in his filmography and demonstrates his willingness to work outside conventional drama.

The King’s Man (2021)

In Matthew Vaughn’s period action film The King’s Man, Aramayo plays Sgt. Maj. Atkins.

The movie serves as a prequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service and places its story during the early 20th century.

The role gave Aramayo another opportunity to appear in a large-scale commercial production.

Dance First (2023)

In Dance First, Aramayo portrays Alfred Péron, the French writer and close friend of Samuel Beckett.

Directed by James Marsh, the film explores Beckett’s life and relationships through a stylised biographical approach.

It represents another move towards historical and literary drama.

Lilies Not for Me (2024)

Aramayo stars as Philip Fairfax in Lilies Not for Me, a period drama directed by Will Seefried.

The film is another example of the actor taking on a central dramatic role rather than relying on the fantasy and franchise work that made him internationally recognisable.

Palestine 36 (2025)

Aramayo appears in Annemarie Jacir’s historical drama Palestine 36, playing Captain Wingate.

The film is set during the period of the British Mandate in Palestine and features a large international cast.

It became another important entry in Aramayo’s film career, particularly as it arrived during a period when his profile was rising significantly in British cinema.

I Swear (2025)

I Swear represents one of the biggest milestones in Robert Aramayo’s career.

He plays John Davidson, a Scottish man and Tourette syndrome advocate whose life inspired the film. The role required Aramayo to portray a real person rather than a fictional character, making the performance particularly demanding.

The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025, and Aramayo’s performance received significant critical attention. BAFTA notes that the performance also earned him the British Independent Film Award for Best Lead Performance.

The role ultimately led to major recognition in 2026.

Robert Aramayo’s Major Television Shows

While his film career has expanded considerably, television remains central to Aramayo’s public profile.

The filmography records these as key television credits, with Game of Thrones, Behind Her Eyes and The Rings of Power becoming particularly important to his international profile.

Harley and the Davidsons

Before becoming widely known as Ned Stark, Aramayo played William S. Harley, the co-founder of Harley-Davidson, in the 2016 miniseries Harley and the Davidsons.

The production dramatises the early history of the motorcycle company and allowed Aramayo to portray a real historical figure.

It was a useful early showcase for the actor’s ability to work with historical material.

Mindhunter

In 2019, Aramayo appeared in Netflix’s crime drama Mindhunter as Elmer Wayne Henley Jr.

His appearance is limited to one episode, but the role is memorable because the series focuses heavily on the psychology and history of real criminals.

The performance is considerably darker than his better-known roles in Game of Thrones and The Rings of Power.

Behind Her Eyes

Aramayo took a more prominent role in the 2021 Netflix psychological thriller miniseries Behind Her Eyes.

He plays Rob Hoyle, a character whose relationship with Louise and David becomes central to the series’ increasingly mysterious story.

Unlike a conventional six-part drama, Behind Her Eyes relies heavily on twists and psychological uncertainty. Aramayo’s role is therefore best understood in the context of the show’s broader mystery.

Robert Aramayo and His 2026 BAFTA Breakthrough

The most significant recent development in Robert Aramayo’s career came at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards.

He won Leading Actor for I Swear. BAFTA’s official awards records list him as the winner ahead of nominees including Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan and Jesse Plemons.

He also won the EE Rising Star Award, which is the only category at the EE BAFTA Film Awards decided by the public.

Winning both awards marked an important moment in his development from a recognisable supporting actor into a leading performer receiving major industry recognition.

BAFTA describes Aramayo as a British actor from Hull and notes both his Juilliard training and his work in I Swear, Palestine 36 and The Rings of Power.

Is Robert Aramayo Related to Alfie Allen, Aidan Gillen or Andy Serkis?

There is no established family relationship between Robert Aramayo and actors such as Alfie Allen, Aidan Gillen or Andy Serkis.

The names can appear together in searches because they are all connected to major British and international productions, particularly projects associated with Game of Thrones and fantasy or prestige television.

Aramayo’s Game of Thrones connection is specifically through young Ned Stark. Alfie Allen played Theon Greyjoy, while Aidan Gillen played Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish. Andy Serkis, meanwhile, is best known for roles including Gollum in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and has an extensive career as an actor and filmmaker.

These are professional connections rather than evidence of a family relationship.

Are Harfoots Hobbits?

This is another point that sometimes appears alongside searches for Robert Aramayo because of The Rings of Power.

Harfoots are not simply another name for Hobbits, although they are closely related within Tolkien’s mythology.

In The Rings of Power, the Harfoots are an early people of the halfling tradition. Tolkien’s writings establish different ancestral groups associated with the later Hobbits, including Harfoots, Stoors and Fallohides.

This distinction matters because The Rings of Power takes place thousands of years before the main events of The Lord of the Rings. The show therefore explores an earlier period of Middle-earth rather than retelling the story of Frodo, Sam, Aragorn and the Fellowship.

What Makes Robert Aramayo Stand Out as an Actor?

Aramayo’s career has developed through contrast.

He can move from a fantasy epic such as The Rings of Power to an intimate psychological thriller like Behind Her Eyes, then to historical drama and real-life characterisation in I Swear.

Several qualities stand out across his work:

• Classical training: His Juilliard background gave him a strong theatrical foundation.
• Range: His roles cover fantasy, horror, crime, historical drama and psychological thrillers.
• Character-focused performances: Even in large productions, he tends to approach roles through the character rather than simply the scale of the project.
• Experience with real people: His portrayals of William S. Harley, Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. and John Davidson required different approaches to real-world characters.
• Franchise experience: Game of Thrones and The Rings of Power introduced him to enormous international audiences.
• Growing leading-man status: His BAFTA Leading Actor win for I Swear demonstrates that his career is no longer defined only by supporting or franchise roles.

What Should You Watch First?

If you are new to Robert Aramayo, the best starting point depends on what type of story you enjoy.

For fantasy fans

Start with The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Aramayo has one of the series’ central roles as Elrond, making it the clearest introduction to his work in epic fantasy.

For Game of Thrones fans

Watch his appearances as young Ned Stark in Game of Thrones. There are only a handful of episodes, but the role is important to Ned’s backstory.

For psychological thrillers

Try Behind Her Eyes. It gives Aramayo a much different type of character from his fantasy roles.

For horror fans

The Empty Man and Antebellum show his work in darker genres.

For dramatic performances

I Swear is the strongest choice. His portrayal of John Davidson earned him the 2026 BAFTA Leading Actor award and the EE Rising Star Award.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert Aramayo

How old is Robert Aramayo?

Robert Aramayo was born on 6 November 1992 in Kingston upon Hull, England. As of September 2026, he is 33 years old.

Where is Robert Aramayo from?

He is from Hull, England. His Yorkshire background has remained a notable part of his story as his career has expanded internationally.

What is Robert Aramayo best known for?

He is best known for playing young Ned Stark in Game of Thrones and Elrond in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. More recently, his performance in I Swear brought him major awards recognition.

Does Robert Aramayo play Aragorn?

No. He plays Elrond in The Rings of Power. Aragorn is a separate character in Tolkien’s Middle-earth mythology.

Did Robert Aramayo win a BAFTA?

Yes. In 2026, he won the BAFTA for Leading Actor for I Swear. He also won the publicly voted EE Rising Star Award.

What films has Robert Aramayo been in?

His film credits include Nocturnal Animals, Lost in Florence, Galveston, The Standoff at Sparrow Creek, Stray Dolls, Eternal Beauty, Antebellum, The Empty Man, The King’s Man, Dance First, Lilies Not for Me, Palestine 36 and I Swear.

What TV shows has Robert Aramayo appeared in?

His major television credits include Harley and the Davidsons, Game of Thrones, Mindhunter, Behind Her Eyes and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Did Robert Aramayo attend Juilliard?

Yes. Aramayo graduated from the Juilliard School after gaining a place there in 2011.

Robert Aramayo’s Career So Far

Robert Aramayo’s career has developed well beyond his early recognition as young Ned Stark.

From Hull and Juilliard to Game of Thrones, Behind Her Eyes and The Rings of Power, he has built a filmography that crosses several genres. His recent work in I Swear has added another dimension to that career, demonstrating that he can carry a demanding dramatic role based on a real person.

His two BAFTA wins in 2026 — Leading Actor and EE Rising Star — represent a particularly significant milestone.

For audiences discovering Robert Aramayo movies and TV shows, there is now much more to explore than his best-known fantasy roles. His filmography shows an actor moving between major franchises, independent cinema, psychological drama and biographical storytelling — and his recent awards success suggests that his career is entering a new and more prominent phase.