From the little boy who would pull his parents aside to watch his improvised performances,
to the self-described “outsider” who found himself in a rural youth theatre group, Jamie
Campbell Bower has grown into a formidable presence across film and television. Yet the
core of his career has remained constant: a search for inner strength and freedom.
Now 37, he moves fluidly between identities: actor, singer, musician, model, continually
redefining himself across disciplines and pushing at the outer edges of creative possibility.
On screen, he has embodied a striking range of characters, but for many, it was his chilling
portrayal of Vecna in Netflix’s Stranger Things that marked either their introduction—or
reintroduction—to his work. Even as one of television’s most terrifying villains, Bower found
a precise, magnetic balance that drew audiences in. With the final season wrapped, he shed
the vine-entwined horror shell of Vecna and carried the lessons of that role forward into a
new epic chapter: joining the world of Middle-earth in season three of The Lord of the
Rings: The Rings of Power, set for release later this year.
If the screen reveals his range, fashion mirrors his essence. In real life, his long blond hair
lends an almost rock-and-roll romanticism, aligned with his sharp yet subtly rebellious
personal style. He does not chase trends; instead, he treats clothing as an extension of
attitude, crafting a visual language that is distinctly his own, one so compelling that it has
even inspired Ann Demeulemeester.
Ramage Eternelle ring in white and yellow gold with rose-cut diamonds and Opera Tulle bracelet in white and yellow gold, Buccellati.
Since bidding farewell to the Upside Down, he has felt an increasing pull toward stories
grounded in reality, where he can probe the complexity of human nature and the weight of
emotion. Music, nature, outer space, the quiet of forests—these are the forces that fuelled
him creatively. To Bower, the world spins far too fast; slowing down is essential. Acting has
never been merely a profession, but a way of mastering the self and conversing with the
world. With every role and every creation, he continues to reshape a more complete, more
powerful version of Jamie Campbell Bower.
Socks, stylist’s own.
Opera Tulle mini pendant in yellow gold with mother-of-pearl and bracelet in white and yellow gold, Buccellati.
What first drew you to acting, and how did that initial excitement evolve over the years?
Call it what you will but from an early age I was the kid who made their parents sit down
and watch a performance I had created. Then when we moved to the countryside I joined
my local youth theatre. I suppose somewhat I felt like an outsider, like I didn’t belong but
when I found that theatre group and was supported and encouraged I found a freedom. I
suppose freedom and control are at the core of what I love. Finding that inner strength and
standing in it whilst allowing the process to develop and to create something truly unique to
oneself whilst being able to ground it really is something that keeps me going. There are also magic moments, those fleeting ephemeral flickers that cannot be planned for but that
burn so bright, those are also what keep me motivated and hooked.
What first drew you to acting, and how did that initial excitement evolve over the years?
Call it what you will but from an early age I was the kid who made their parents sit down
and watch a performance I had created. Then when we moved to the countryside I joined
my local youth theatre. I suppose somewhat I felt like an outsider, like I didn’t belong but
when I found that theatre group and was supported and encouraged I found a freedom. I
suppose freedom and control are at the core of what I love. Finding that inner strength and
standing in it whilst allowing the process to develop and to create something truly unique to
oneself whilst being able to ground it really is something that keeps me going. There are
also magic moments, those fleeting ephemeral flickers that cannot be planned for but that
burn so bright, those are also what keep me motivated and hooked.
Saying goodbye to Stranger Things after such a long run, how does closing Vecna’s
chapter feel to you? What’s one thing from the experience most memorable for you?
I am so grateful to have been the person to bring this character to life in all is various forms.
I truly appreciate the show and when I joined knew I wanted to approach it thoroughly and
with care. It’s been an incredible journey to be a part of something so special and I will
always be thankful. The most memorable thing? Probably the community, it’s a long shoot
and to be with everyone and supported and to support is the gift.
Vecna quickly became one of the most memorable villains in recent TV history. How do
the roles differ from who you are in real life?
Well…. I don’t have vines. Grounding characters is important to me and finding something
human even in the inhumane is important though.
Your career has spanned everything from period dramas to sci-fi blockbusters, and now
fantasy realms. What’s the one genre or type of story you’re most excited to explore next,
and why does it appeal to you?
I’d like to approach something real, something about the reality of living and all the
complexities that come with being human.
How do you prepare the role, and what’s the key to making any character feel authentic
to you?
Each character is different and you have to pull from different sources. For me it’s about
creating a full person. That can vary from character to character but I find imagery and
music incredibly helpful.
With The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3 on the horizon, how does it feel to step into another massive fantasy universe after Stranger Things? What’s one thing you love most about working in these epic, world-building productions?
Rings Of Power felt like love. I was drawn to it based on that feeling. The world building is incredible, the scale and the grandeur of it all. For me fantasy is representative of so many parts of our world and how we could be living. I like that very much.
Outside of acting, what’s something you’re passionate about that feeds back into your creativity?
My music. Nature. Space. Our world can move fast, it’s always important to me to slow down.
What’s the last thing that made you pause or moved you recently?
The woods.
Macri Classica drop-shape pendant in yellow gold with diamond, drop-shape pendant in white gold with diamond, and Ramage Eternelle ring in white and yellow gold with rose-cut diamonds, Buccellati.
Your style has always been bold and sleek. How has your fashion sense evolved withage and new life chapters, and are there any trends you’re particularly drawn to right now?
I tend not to follow trends. If you’re following something you’re too slow. Being yourself is always the most important thing. Wear what makes you feel good. Create you.
Looking at the next few years, If you could pick one genre or series to dive into next—action, horror remake, or something totally new—what would it be?
There are many things I’d like to explore. I am very grateful that I get to be in this industry and I will always put 100% of my creativity into whatever I get to do next.
Last question. Do you have a message for the fans.
Thank you. Without your support I would not be here. I am grateful. Eternally grateful.
Photography: Martina Keenan / Day One
Editorial Director: Jumius Wong
Creative Direction: Jenine Oh
Stylist: Diletta Ariano / 102 NYC
Creative Producer: Marina Fairfax
Casting Director: Maddie Kelly
Executive Producer: Francesca Valente / 102 NYC
Grooming: Michael Moreno / The Only Agency
On Set Producer: Veronica Leone / 102 NYC
Photo Assistants: Albert Font Garcia, Omer Sela
Location: Bar Oliver NYC
