Jo Dow's journey into the captivating world of acting began at the tender age of 14, when he joined the prestigious National Youth Theatre, thus marking the start of a remarkable trajectory that would forever alter the course of his life. Following the completion of his academic pursuits at the renowned Guildhall Drama School, Jo embarked upon a successful career in repertory theatre, initially in Cardiff and subsequently in Leeds, before being handpicked for the esteemed Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses in the West End, alongside the renowned Shared Experience at the historic Mermaid theatre in Nana.
Jo's television career received a significant boost with his portrayal of Under Secretary, Tim, in the BBC's 1990 production of No Job for a Lady, a production that featured the highly acclaimed and respected actress Penelope Keith in a supporting role. This notable role marked a turning point in Jo's career, serving as a precursor to a four-year commitment to the popular and long-running police procedural drama The Bill, during which he played the character of P.C. Stringer in a staggering 155 episodes, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile actor. Following his time on The Bill, Jo continued to make a significant impact on the small screen by appearing in three series of the groundbreaking and influential medical drama Cardiac Arrest, a production that showcased his impressive range and ability to adapt to a variety of roles. Additionally, he starred alongside Helen Baxendale and Flt. Lieutenant Jim Radcliffe in the BBC's 1998 production of Invasion Earth, a production overseen by the esteemed Jed Mercurio, who is also the showrunner of the highly acclaimed drama series The Bodyguard, further demonstrating Jo's ability to work with and learn from some of the most talented and respected professionals in the industry.
Jo's illustrious television career has been marked by an impressive array of notable appearances, boasting a diverse repertoire that spans multiple popular and critically acclaimed series, including the highly successful medical drama Peak Practise, the long-running British soap opera EastEnders, the engaging sports-themed comedy Game On, the poignant and emotionally charged drama Piece of Cake, the heartwarming and humorous Crocodile Shoes, the action-packed and suspenseful London's Burning, the beloved children's program Sooty and Sweep, the heartwarming and relatable family drama Where the Heart Is, the esteemed and acclaimed medical drama Casualty, the gripping and intense crime drama Dangerfield, and the thought-provoking and socially conscious anthology series Murder Most Horrid, all of which have been written by some of the most renowned and respected writers in the industry, including the acclaimed Linda La Plante and the esteemed Jimmy McGovern.
Jo has been steadily accumulating an impressive array of starring roles in various television productions, with one notable example being his appearances in the popular mystery series Agatha Raisin. Furthermore, Jo has also made a significant contribution to the long-running daytime drama Family Affairs, where he has taken on the character of 'Jim Webb', a role that has allowed him to appear in an astonishing 300 episodes of the show.
Jo's remarkable career extends far beyond his impressive contributions to television, as he has also established himself as a notable figure in the Irish theatre scene. In a particularly noteworthy collaboration, he had the esteemed privilege of sharing the stage with the accomplished actor Stephen Rae in the iconic production of "The Plough and the Stars" at Dublin's revered Gaiety theatre, a prestigious institution renowned for its rich cultural heritage and commitment to showcasing the finest in Irish theatrical talent.
