The rivalry between Ross Poldark and the banker George Warleggan shaped much of the BBC series. Fans often ask who plays George Warleggan in Poldark? The answer is Jack Farthing.
His work across five seasons turned the character into a sharp and emotional figure. He played him with a cold edge and a quiet sadness, and that mix helped define his career.
George Warleggan in Poldark

The actor behind George Warleggan
Jack Farthing played George Warleggan from 2015 to 2019. He brought the wealthy and ambitious businessman to life and gave the story a steady source of conflict.
George tried to defeat Ross at every turn, and Farthing captured this drive with care. Trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, he learned to build detailed characters. He worked in British film and television, but Sir George’s role became a major step in his career.
Jack Farthing’s early life and training
Farthing was born in North London in 1985, planned to act from a young age, and shaped his studies around that goal. He first studied History of Art at Oxford University.
Then he moved into acting and joined the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art for formal training. The mix of academic study and craft training helped him take on both light and serious roles later in his career.
His first major television part came in the period comedy Blandings. He played Frederick “Freddie” Threepwood from 2013 to 2014. The role showed his timing and charm, and it opened doors for deeper work. His skill with comedy made him more flexible, and that helped him shift into drama with ease.
These early jobs shaped his style and prepared him for the complex role in the series.
Work after Poldark

Since the end of Poldark, Jack Farthing has stayed active in film and television. His projects range from historical roles to modern stories, and each one adds to his range.
Spencer (2021): He played Charles, Prince of Wales, in this film about Princess Diana.
The Lost Daughter (2021): He appeared in this psychological drama.
Rain Dogs (2023): He played Florian Selby and received an award nomination.
The Riot Club (2014): He acted as George Balfour in this story about an elite Oxford group.
Chloe (2022): He played Richard Greenbank in this thriller.
These roles show his steady progress. He picks varied characters and shifts between drama, dark comedy, and period work with ease. His path since then shows he is not limited to one type of character.
A career that keeps growing
Jack Farthing’s performance shaped the heart of the conflict in the series. He built a sharp and layered character who stayed memorable long after the final episode aired. Since then, he has moved through major films and acclaimed series and continues to grow in his field.
He will also appear in the BBC adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero in 2025. This new project adds another strong role to his career and shows that he remains a trusted name in British television. His work in Poldark started a new chapter for him, and his later roles show a steady rise built on talent and hard work.