Joseph Purcell, Son of Dominic Purcell, Shines in TikTok Fanfic Series: Essential Insights

Dominic Purcell’s son Joseph Purcell is not only following in his father’s acting footsteps but has also become an internet sensation, particularly thanks to TikTok’s short fanfiction shows.

Dominic shares four children with his ex-wife Rebecca Williamson, whom he married in 1998. They welcomed Joseph in 1999, followed by daughter Audrey in 2001, and twins Augustus and Lily-Rose in 2003. The couple parted ways in 2008, and the Prison Break star has since married Tish Cyrus.

Joseph has stepped into the spotlight with appearances in the short film Shellbound, which features his sister Audrey as co-writer and co-star. Many recognize Joseph for his role as Hunter in the TikTok series His Nerd.

For those unfamiliar, TikTok users have recently seen an influx of ads promoting fanfiction-style shows. These mini-series, ranging from age-gap romances to forbidden love tales, combine elements of soap operas and Lifetime films. The ads encourage viewers to download apps like ReelShort and DramaBox, which host episodes that typically last around a minute, tailored for mobile viewing.

In addition to Joseph’s His Nerd, fans have discovered titles such as The Double Life of My Billionaire Husband, Love at Dangerous Speeds, and How to Tame a Silver Fox. Keep reading for everything you need to know about Joseph and his TikTok series:

Who Was Joseph Named After?

Dominic seemingly named his first child in tribute to his late father.

“For what it’s worth, as a father, I believe the greatest gift he can receive from his child is knowing he is deeply loved and respected. A father’s wish for his child is to grow, flourish, and better himself,” Dominic shared on Instagram in April 2024 as he mourned his dad’s passing. “That was his wish, and it came true.”

Dominic honored his father through this heartfelt message, urging his children to “carry on his memory.”

“I understand that I cannot better him, but I can strive to be like him. Watching my dad face his own mortality taught me about courage and dignity,” he added. “His strength in the face of immense pain was heroic—a final lesson he passed down to me, and from me to my own children.”

Dominic concluded with a moving message: “Let the bloodline continue in his honor with strength, dignity, and above all, humility. Let us all be thankful; otherwise, it’s a life unrealized.”

Did Joseph Always Want to Become an Actor?

In a 2018 interview with The Inertia, Dominic revealed that his children weren’t initially drawn to the entertainment industry.

“I don’t want my kids to become actors. It’s an incredibly challenging business, with an unemployment rate of 98 percent. I’m one of the lucky ones, which is not a good indicator of how tough the industry can be,” he remarked. “However, if they truly wanted to pursue it, I would support them wholeheartedly. I believe in allowing my children to follow their dreams without restrictions. I’m here to guide them toward being the best versions of themselves.”

How Has Dominic Supported His Son’s Career?

In January 2025, Dominic took to social media to commend Joseph’s acting journey, posting on Instagram, “My eldest son Joe. His journey as an actor begins. I’m very proud of you, mate. Your talent and humble nature will carry you far. Love, Dad.”

What Projects Has Joseph Been Cast In?

TikTok users might recognize Joseph as Hunter in the trending miniseries His Nerd. The series follows “a robotics expert and a soccer star who enter a fake relationship to tackle personal issues, only to face bullies, family troubles, and criminal connections. Their pretend romance evolves into something real as they navigate their feelings and diverse worlds.”

Joseph stars alongside Amanda Troya in one of the many shorts trending on TikTok.

What Is Known About Joseph’s Personal Life?

Prior to his roles in 2025, Joseph mostly stayed out of the limelight. Although he now has a social media presence showcasing professional photos, he hasn’t participated in interviews or discussed his Hollywood experiences publicly.

He may appear in more TikTok shorts, as many actors have featured in multiple shows on the platform.