Rahul Kohli built a diverse television career by transitioning from British soap operas to American supernatural procedurals and high-profile streaming horror anthologies. Born in London and trained at the Arts Educational Schools, Kohli didn't follow a traditional path to global recognition. Instead, he secured breakout roles by combining sharp comedic timing with intense dramatic range across network television and streaming platforms.
Most viewers recognize him from his long-running stint as Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti on the CW series iZombie, or through his frequent collaborations with director Mike Flanagan on Netflix. Yet his televisionography spans over a decade of guest appearances, recurring parts, and lead character arcs that redefine what it means for a British-South Asian actor to work in international television.
Early Roles and British Television Beginnings
Before landing major American television contracts, Kohli worked extensively in British theatre, commercials, and UK television. Early credits included minor television appearances and guest spots that allowed him to build fundamental on-set experience.
Working in British television production exposed him to fast-paced shooting schedules and ensemble casts. During this period, he appeared in British soap opera projects and procedural dramas, refining his technique before making the move to Los Angeles. These formative years required rigorous auditioning and small supporting parts that tested his ability to stand out in crowded casts.
The Breakthrough: iZombie and Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti
Kohli achieved international recognition when he was cast as Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti in the CW series iZombie, which ran from 2015 to 2019. Developed by Rob Thomas, the series cast Kohli as a quirky, brilliant medical examiner who assists a zombie medical examiner in solving crimes by consuming the brains of murder victims.
Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti quickly became a fan favorite. Kohli balanced rapid-fire comedic dialogue with heartfelt loyalty to the protagonist, Liv Moore. The character's passion for medical science, pop culture obsession, and steady moral compass provided the show with emotional anchor points. This role proved that Kohli could anchor a major American network series for multiple seasons, establishing a dedicated global fanbase.
Collaborations with Mike Flanagan on Netflix
Following the conclusion of iZombie, Kohli transitioned into prestigious streaming horror projects through a recurring creative partnership with filmmaker Mike Flanagan. This era expanded his dramatic repertoire and introduced him to darker, more complex character writing.
Haunting of Bly Manor and Midnight Mass
In 2020, Kohli appeared in the Netflix gothic romance miniseries The Haunting of Bly Manor as Owen Sharma, a warm-hearted chef dealing with personal tragedy. The role required subtle emotional depth and romantic vulnerability, distancing him from the eccentric lab scientist persona of his previous work.
He followed this with a transformative performance as Sheriff Hassan in Midnight Mass (2021). As a Muslim father and police chief moving to an isolated island community, Kohli delivered a grounded portrayal of faith, skepticism, and duty.
The Midnight Club and Fall of the House of Usher
Kohli continued his collaboration with Flanagan by appearing in The Midnight Club (2022) and The Fall of the House of Usher (2023). These projects showcased his versatility across different stylistic genres, cementing his status as a reliable ensemble player for high-concept auteur television.
Voice Acting and Video Game Projects
Beyond live-action television, Kohli expanded into voice acting for animated series and video games. His vocal performances brought animated characters to life in projects like Harley Quinn, where he voiced Dr. Jonathan Crane / Scarecrow.
Voice acting required a distinct skill set, relying entirely on vocal inflection to convey menace, humor, or vulnerability without physical movement. This diversification protected his career from being typecast in live-action procedural formats.
Challenges of International Production Schedules
Working across British and American television industries presents unique logistical demands. Actors often navigate grueling production schedules, international relocation, and intense publicity tours.
Kohli has frequently spoken about the physical toll of television production, where daily calls require hours in makeup chairs followed by twelve-hour shooting days. Maintaining personal relationships while living out of suitcases across Vancouver, Seattle, and Los Angeles remains a standard hurdle for working television actors. Furthermore, finding scripts that avoid flat cultural stereotypes represents an ongoing challenge for South Asian actors in Western media markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Rahul Kohli's first major television role?
His first major international television breakthrough was playing Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti on the CW series iZombie starting in 2015.
Is Rahul Kohli related to cricketer Virat Kohli?
No, Rahul Kohli and Virat Kohli are not related. They share a common surname, but Rahul is a British actor born in London, while Virat is an Indian international cricketer.
Which Netflix shows feature Rahul Kohli?
He stars in several Mike Flanagan horror projects on Netflix, including The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, The Midnight Club, and The Fall of the House of Usher.
Does Rahul Kohli do voice acting?
Yes, he has lent his voice to animated projects and video games, most notably voicing Scarecrow in the animated series Harley Quinn.
