Chance Perdomo carved out an extraordinary path through film and television, moving from British stage training to international television recognition before his tragic passing in 2024. Best known for his standout work in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and the superhero spin-off Gen V, he combined magnetic screen presence with sharp character depth. His journey offers a clear look at how raw talent, rigorous training, and a single custom-written role can transform an ambitious young performer into a global force.
Understanding Perdomo's rise requires looking beyond standard biographies to examine the specific choices, breakthrough auditions, and industry milestones that shaped his career. This article explores his foundational training, his defining television and film roles, and the lasting footprint he left on modern entertainment.
Early Life and Foundation in British Theatre
Born in Los Angeles in 1996, Perdomo moved to Southampton, England, during his childhood. Raised by his mother, he held dual British and American citizenship and embraced his Latino heritage. During his school years at Redbridge Community School and Peter Symonds College, he showed early leadership qualities, serving as head boy and student union president.
Though he initially planned to study law, Perdomo shifted paths toward acting. He worked at a shoe shop and a local cinema to save money, then relocated to London. There, he honed his craft through the National Youth Theatre and the Identity School of Acting. This rigorous theatrical grounding prepared him for the emotional intensity required for screen acting, helping him land early television work like the CBBC series Hetty Feather in 2017.
The Breakthrough: Killed by My Debt and BAFTA Recognition
Perdomo's true turning point arrived in 2018 when he secured the lead role of Jerome Rogers in the BBC Three factual drama Killed by My Debt. The film explored the tragic true story of a courier crushed by compounding traffic debts.
Perdomo delivered a raw, grounded performance that captured the helplessness and quiet desperation of a working-class youth failed by bureaucratic systems. Critics praised the authenticity he brought to the screen. His work earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the British Academy Television Awards (BAFTAs), putting the wider industry on notice. That same year, industry publication recognition followed when he was named a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit and a Screen International Star of Tomorrow.
Netflix and Global Stardom: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Global recognition arrived when Perdomo joined the cast of Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina as Ambrose Spellman. Interestingly, Perdomo originally auditioned for a role in the sibling series Riverdale. While that specific part went elsewhere, show creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa was so captivated by Perdomo's audition tape that he wrote the role of Ambrose specifically with him in mind.
As Ambrose, Sabrina Spellman's pansexual, warlock cousin, Perdomo became an instant fan favorite. He balanced occult wisdom with sharp wit and genuine warmth, giving the supernatural drama an emotional anchor. The role showcased his ability to command an ensemble cast and instantly expanded his international audience.
Expanding Horizons: The After Franchise and Gen V
Following his success on Netflix, Perdomo crossed into feature films and expanded his genre footprint. He joined the commercially successful After romance franchise as Landon Gibson, starring in After We Fell (2021), After Ever Happy (2022), and After Everything (2023). These films allowed him to display a softer, romantic leading-man presence distinct from his work in fantasy and drama.
In 2023, Perdomo stepped into the gritty world of Prime Video's The Boys universe by starring in its college-set spin-off, Gen V. Playing Andre Anderson, a popular student and kinetic-manipulation superhero dealing with family expectations and corporate corruption, Perdomo delivered a nuanced performance. The series received widespread critical acclaim, cementing his status as a versatile actor capable of navigating complex action-drama narratives.
A Tragic Loss and Lasting Legacy
In March 2024, at age 27, Perdomo died following a motorcycle accident in Upstate New York while traveling to begin filming the second season of Gen V. The entertainment community and his co-stars shared profound grief, highlighting his kindness, talent, and collaborative spirit. Out of respect for his impact, producers chose not to recast the role of Andre Anderson, rewriting the second season to honor his memory. Perdomo's short career left behind a rich portfolio of memorable performances that continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Chance Perdomo's most famous roles?
He was best known for playing Ambrose Spellman in Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Andre Anderson in Prime Video's Gen V. He also starred as Landon Gibson in the After film series.
Was Chance Perdomo British or American?
He held dual citizenship. He was born in Los Angeles, California, but was raised and educated in Southampton, England.
Did Chance Perdomo win any awards?
While he didn't win, he earned high-profile recognition, most notably a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in the 2018 television film Killed by My Debt. He was also named a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit.
How did Chance Perdomo get cast in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina?
He initially auditioned for Riverdale. Although he didn't secure that part, the showrunner was so impressed that he created and wrote the role of Ambrose Spellman specifically for Perdomo.
