AceShowbiz - Dominic Purcell’s son, Joseph Purcell, is carving out his own path as both an actor and a viral TikTok star, known especially for his work in the mobile-friendly vertical drama format that has taken social media by storm.

Dominic Purcell, famously known for his role in Prison Break, shares four children with his former wife Rebecca Williamson, whom he married in 1998. Their first child, Joseph, was born in 1999, followed by daughter Audrey in 2001 and twins Augustus and Lily-Rose in 2003. The couple divorced in 2008, and Dominic later married Tish Cyrus.

Joseph Purcell has followed in the footsteps of his father and sister Audrey, both actors, by appearing in projects such as the short film Shellbound, which Audrey co-wrote and starred in. However, he has found a distinctive niche in the rising genre of TikTok vertical dramas, gaining attention for his role as Hunter in the popular short series His Nerd.

These TikTok vertical dramas are a growing trend on social media, often promoted through ads that flood users’ For You Pages (FYP). The shows typically resemble condensed soap operas or Lifetime-style movies, featuring themes like age-gap romance and forbidden love. Each episode usually lasts about a minute, designed specifically for mobile viewing. Platforms like ReelShort and DramaBox host these series, driving downloads through these targeted ads.

Alongside Joseph’s appearance in His Nerd, viewers may have also encountered titles such as The Double Life of My Billionaire Husband, Love at Dangerous Speeds, and How to Tame a Silver Fox. These shows have become staples of the TikTok vertical drama craze.

Joseph’s name holds sentimental significance. Dominic appeared to name his firstborn after his late father. In April 2024, while mourning his father’s passing, Dominic shared an emotional message on Instagram about the legacy a father leaves through love, respect, and humility. He reflected on his father’s strength, courage, and dignity, encouraging his own children to honor that memory by carrying on the family’s values.

In his tribute, Dominic Purcell wrote, "Watching my dad confront his own mortality was a lesson in courage and dignity… His stoicism in the face of great pain was heroic." The message concluded with a call for the bloodline to continue with strength and humility, underscoring the importance of family legacy.

Despite his growing career, Joseph did not initially aspire to be an actor. In a 2018 interview, Dominic revealed that none of his children were eager to enter the entertainment industry at first. He expressed concern about the harsh realities of acting, citing a staggering 98 percent unemployment rate in the profession. However, he also emphasized his unconditional support for his children’s dreams, guiding them to be their best selves.

Joseph himself shared on Tish Cyrus’s podcast in July 2025 that acting was never on his childhood radar. He was shy and dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. It wasn’t until he turned 20 that he began considering acting as a possible career path, influenced in part by his father’s profession and encouragement.

Family support has played a pivotal role in Joseph’s budding career. In January 2025, Dominic Purcell publicly praised his son on Instagram, celebrating the start of his journey in acting. Dominic expressed pride in Joseph’s talent and humble nature, affirming his belief that these qualities would help him succeed.

Tish Cyrus also highlighted Joseph on her podcast, giving him a platform to discuss his career. She fondly recalled a moment at her wedding when Joseph admitted he had never wanted his dad to remarry—until he met her—calling it the sweetest thing she had ever heard.

Joseph’s most notable role to date is as Hunter in His Nerd, a viral TikTok miniseries. The story revolves around a robotics prodigy and a soccer star who enter a fake relationship to navigate personal challenges, including bullying, family conflicts, and criminal entanglements. Their pretend romance gradually turns genuine as they confront their emotions and clashing worlds.

In addition to His Nerd, Joseph stars opposite Amanda Troya and appears in other TikTok short dramas like Rooming with the Devil, Falling for My Bodyguard, and The Bad Boy Wants Me. These projects have contributed to his rising profile among TikTok’s entertainment audience.

Before 2025, Joseph Purcell maintained a low public profile. He had limited social media presence and had not given interviews or spoken publicly about his experiences in the entertainment industry. His recent activity and casting in TikTok shorts suggest he may continue to build his career in this digital-first format, which often features actors taking on multiple roles across different series.

While many celebrity family members have ventured into acting, few have embraced the vertical drama format on TikTok as Joseph Purcell has. His involvement in this new wave of storytelling highlights how emerging platforms are reshaping how audiences consume and connect with serialized narratives.

As TikTok vertical dramas grow in popularity, Joseph Purcell stands out as a young actor bridging the legacy of a well-known Hollywood family with the evolving demands of modern digital entertainment. His journey from reluctant actor to rising star in this unique genre will be one to watch in the coming years.