Netflix’s “Sex Education” has been a hit with viewers for exploring teenage life most realistically. One notable detail is the age difference between the characters and actors. The disparity often surprises viewers who assume that roles at such a young age, as one actor or actress can quickly jump to playing a character older than them.
Otis Milburn and Asa Butterfield
Otis MilbThe show focuses on 17-year-old Otis Milburn, who is going through puberty. Asa Butterfield, who plays Otis, was born on 1 April 1997, which means he is now 26 years old. This nine-year age gap is perfect for Butterfield to display the life of a teen convincingly.
Maeve Wiley and Emma Mackey
In the series, Maeve Wiley is 17 years old, a smart and independent girl. Emma Mackey, 28 years old (October 4, 1996) And while there are 11 years in age between the two, Mackey so perfectly embodies Maeve’s youthful resilience and depth.
Eric Effiong and Ncuti Gatwa
The character of Eric Effiong is 17 as well, and he is Otis’s colorful best friend. Ncuti Gatwa, age 32, was born on October 15, 1992. Gatwa’s exuberance and authenticity as Eric transcend the 15 years that separate him and his character.
Connor Swindells and Adam Groff
The character of Adam Groff, a 17-year-old son of the headmaster with a complex personality. Connor Swindells, born on September 19, 1996 [age 28]). The 11-year age difference is undetectable as Swindells brings Adam’s internal conflict alive beautifully.
Aimee Gibbs and Aimee Lou Wood
In the series, Maeve’s closest friend is Aimee Gibbs, who is 17. Aimee Lou Wood, Date of Birth: November 2, 1995 (29 Years Old). There is actually a 12-year age gap between Wood and Aimee, but the artist’s ability to play an innocent girl played the character comes across beautifully.
Jackson Marchetti and Kedar Williams-Stirling
In the story, Jackson Marchetti is a 17-year-old star athlete at the school. Kedar Williams-Stirling was born on December 14, 1994, and is 29 years old. Jackson’s charm and vulnerability come through with the help of Williams-Stirling, who centered opposite despite their 12-year age difference.
Ruby Matthews and Mimi Keene
In the series, they’re 17-year-old members of a popular clique led by Ruby Matthews. Mimi Keene, born on August 5, 1998, is 25 years old. Keene’s performance treats Ruby like the ideal fourteen-year-old, rendering the eight-year age gap irrelevant.
Viv Odusanya and Chinenye Ezeudu
Viv Odusanya is 17 in the story, a straight-shooting overachiever. Chinenye Ezeudu was born on May 3, 1996 (age 28). Using Ezeudu to give Viv a strong sense of determination and progress helps her come off as closer to her age instead of the 11 years younger she technically is.
Cal Bowman and Dua Saleh
Cal Bowman, introduced in later seasons of the show, they are a non-binary student and also 17. Today, Dua Saleh is 29 years old (born June 9, 1995). Despite the age difference of 12 years, Saleh imbues Cal with authenticity.
Lily Iglehart and Tanya Reynolds
The character of Lily Iglehart, the quirky, 17-year-old girl played by 33-year-old Tanya Reynolds (born November 4, 1991). So convincingly portrayed by Reynolds, Lily is effortlessly eccentric and creative, and this erases the 16-year gap between their ages.
The age gaps set the stage for some serious talent, both seasoned and new, when it comes to playing teens. This show is known for its raw performances that have been collecting trophies from audiences around the world.
