Joshua Duncan Brings Scottish Grit and Classical Training to Vertical Dramas

Joshua Duncan's acting career has taken him from conservatory training in New York to sets around the world. Along the way, he has faced challenges that tested the same determination he now brings to his roles.

Scottish actor Joshua Duncan may be a newer face to many vertical drama viewers, but his path to the genre has already taken him through classical conservatory training, live performance, international travel, and personal challenges that tested his resilience long before he appeared on mobile screens.

Audiences may recognize Duncan from vertical dramas including "The Duke's Wayward Wallflower," "The Billionaire Heir's Double Faced Lover," "Unsubscribed from Your Love," and "Mafia Brother Let Me Go." While his screen résumé continues to grow, the actor's background reveals a performer whose journey has extended far beyond the world of vertical storytelling.

From Scotland to New York

Born in Scotland in 1994, Duncan later moved to New York City to attend the Stella Adler Acting Conservatory, where he completed the school's three-year acting program.

That training provided a foundation in character work, storytelling, and stage performance that continues to shape his approach as an actor today.

A profile published by The Ink Collective describes Duncan as a Scottish actor with "a spark for bold storytelling" and a passion for bringing characters vividly to life. The organization also noted his admiration for fellow Scot Sean Connery and highlighted his work across stage productions, independent films, and more recently, vertical drama series.

Beyond screen acting, Duncan has also developed a reputation as a live monologuist. In 2025, The Ink Collective introduced him as a performer who would immerse audiences in "the art of talking to himself live" through one of the organization's storytelling events in London.

A Health Scare That Tested His Resolve

One of the most revealing moments documented on Duncan's social media came in August 2021, when he shared that doctors had discovered a malignant tumor in his neck after weeks of medical appointments, scans, and testing.

The diagnosis required surgery and brought uncertainty about what recovery might mean for his future as an actor.

"I have had heavy emotions recently because of this news and the fact that a scar could shape my career as an actor," he wrote at the time.

Despite acknowledging his fear ahead of the procedure, Duncan remained optimistic.

"Despite my fear, I am confident and have a lot of faith that things will work out, they always do in the end," he wrote.

He also expressed gratitude to the NHS and to the friends and family members who supported him throughout the experience.

Back on His Feet

Less than a year later, Duncan was celebrating a very different milestone.

In May 2022, he completed a marathon fundraiser supporting JDRF alongside fellow runner Jen, helping raise money for diabetes research.

"I never saw myself as someone who could run a marathon," he wrote after the race.

The pair completed the event in a joint time of 4:14:18 after several months of training. Reflecting on the achievement, Duncan encouraged others not to underestimate what they are capable of accomplishing.

"Never place limitations on yourself, or project them on others because we are all, in ourselves, capable of incredible feats," he wrote.

Finding a Home in Vertical Dramas

In recent years, Duncan has increasingly appeared in vertical drama productions, a rapidly growing format that has introduced him to audiences around the world.

The Ink Collective describes his craft as blending Adler technique, comedy improv, and strong narrative storytelling, allowing him to move comfortably between dramatic, comedic, and action-oriented roles. (The Ink Collective)

Whether performing live monologues in London or appearing in the latest vertical drama series, Duncan's career continues to reflect the qualities that have shaped his journey so far: discipline, resilience, and a willingness to take on new challenges both on and off screen.