Dex Thompson is a fictional character from the Netflix series “Sex Education,” portrayed by British-Brazilian actor Lino Facioli. Introduced in the show’s second season, Dex is a member of the “Quiz Heads” team at Moordale Secondary School. He is characterized by his intellectual prowess and social naivety, often failing to recognize the romantic interest of his teammate, Vivienne Odusanya, whom he mistakenly calls “Bev.” Dex’s preoccupation with activities like solving Rubik’s cubes—being the 34th fastest solver globally—highlights his analytical nature. His character adds depth to the series by exploring themes of adolescent relationships and the challenges of social interactions among academically inclined students.
Lino Facioli, born on July 29, 2000, in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, moved to the United Kingdom at the age of four. He developed an interest in acting at seven, enrolling in a theater school in London. Facioli’s diverse heritage includes Austrian, Portuguese, Italian, and German roots. Before his role in “Sex Education,” he gained recognition for portraying Lord Robin Arryn in the acclaimed series “Game of Thrones.”
In “Sex Education,” Dex Thompson’s interactions, particularly with Vivienne, shed light on the complexities of teenage communication and the often-overlooked dynamics within academic circles. His character serves as a narrative device to discuss the balance between intellectual pursuits and emotional intelligence during formative years.