Dominic Sherwood, the British actor widely known for his role as the romantic interest in Taylor Swift’s “Style” music video (2015), has dramatically transformed from an unknown figure to a mainstream, globally beloved star in the space of seven years. His career is a prime example of leveraging instant fame to build a diverse and sustainable acting career.
🌟 From Mysterious Beauty to Fantasy Star (2016–2019)
His role in the music video for “Style,” where Sherwood’s striking appearance—particularly his heterochromia ( two different-colored eyes)—brought a melancholy intensity to his character, propelled him into the public eye. However, he quickly shed the “music video sweetheart” status to conquer the world of teen fantasy television:
- Breakout Role: In 2016, Sherwood landed the lead role of Jace Wayland (aka Jace Herondale) in Freeform’s fantasy drama series Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments .
- Massive Success: As the elite demon hunter, the series’ male protagonist, Sherwood starred for three seasons until 2019. The series garnered a devoted and passionate global fan base, transforming Sherwood from an unknown actor into a beloved star.
- Acting Range: His portrayal of Jace—a complex character known for his sarcastic wit, fighting skills, and deep emotional vulnerability—allowed him to demonstrate a dramatic range that surprised fans who only knew him from Taylor Swift videos.
💼 Expanding Your Portfolio: From Vampire to Lawyer
Before and after his time on Shadowhunters , Sherwood solidified his commitment to fantasy and drama:
- Early Film Roles: His first notable film role was as Christian Ozera —a vampire—in the satirical horror film Vampire Academy (2014).
- Streaming Era: In 2022, he made a strategic move by starring in the Netflix legal drama series, The Partner Track . Sherwood plays Jeff Murphy , a young, talented lawyer who moves from London and becomes involved in a relationship with the show’s protagonist.The role showcased his ability to move beyond supernatural stories and adapt to the slick, fast-paced world of corporate drama on a major streaming platform. (He also stars in the 2022 remake of the Eraser film, Eraser : Reborn , as Mason Pollard.)
Dominic Sherwood’s journey is a testament to the hard work required to succeed in Hollywood, moving from a glamorous visual detail in a pop hit to a versatile and consistent dual role.