In an intimate conversation with Variety, Jacob Elordi, the 26-year-old Australian actor renowned for his role in Euphoria, shared a poignant journey from the discomfort of his adolescent years in an all-boys Catholic school to the profound revelation that ignited his fervor for acting.
At the age of 15, Elordi found himself grappling with an unsettling sense of unease during his time at an all-boys Catholic school. In a candid admission, he reflected, “I was deeply unsettled and didn’t know why.”
The turning point came when Elordi immersed himself in theater classes, encountering Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot. Despite not fully comprehending the play at the time, he acknowledged, “Something changed. Everything that I believed in just went out the window.” This epiphany became the catalyst for a newfound passion and purpose.
Following the transformative script-reading experience, Elordi had a revelation—he wanted to be an actor. Describing acting, performance, and storytelling as his new “church,” he embarked on a relentless journey of self-discovery and craft refinement. “Acting became my church. I worked 24 hours a day, devouring everything I could,” he recounted.
In 2018, Elordi made his acting debut in Australian films Swinging Safari and The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee. The allure of Hollywood beckoned, and he made the pivotal move to Los Angeles after securing a role in the acclaimed Netflix drama series Euphoria.
Elordi’s commitment to the craft became evident as he embraced the demanding role of portraying Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s biopic based on Priscilla Presley’s memoir, Elvis and Me. His versatility and dedication shine through, challenging norms and showcasing the depth of his acting prowess.
Jacob Elordi’s journey from the corridors of a Catholic school to the center stage of Hollywood exemplifies the transformative power of the arts. His story is one of self-discovery, passion reignited in the theater, and a relentless pursuit of acting excellence. As he continues to evolve in his career, Elordi stands as an inspiration for aspiring performers, proving that sometimes, the most profound revelations occur when we embrace the unknown.