Jamie Thomas King was born in London, England and educated at Dulwich College, Fine Arts College and The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He is the son of American screen writer Laura Lamson and English television director Christopher King.

King began his acting career in the theatre where his most notable performance was in the Royal National Theatre's production of Alan Bennett's "The History Boys". He has since acted extensively in American and European film and television productions, but he is most recognized for playing poet Thomas Wyatt in the television series "The Tudors".

King is also a painter and frequently undertakes private commissions. He is married to Canadian actress Tamara Podemski and they have one child.