Jacob Elordi’s journey from Netflix crush to Hollywood heartthrob – a mirror of modern masculinity?
From teen dream to the big screen
Jacob Elordi grew up far from the Hollywood spotlight he now commands. Born and raised in Brisbane, Australia, he spent his early years surfing, playing rugby and watching old movies, an unlikely mix that would later shape his cinematic persona.
Acting first caught his attention at school, where he performed in plays and quickly realised he felt most himself on stage. After high school, he started taking his passion seriously, auditioning for roles and chasing opportunities wherever they appeared, from student films to small Australian productions.
Jacob’s breakout came in 2018 with The Kissing Booth, a typical romcom that turned him into a teen idol overnight. His turn as Nate in cult-favourite Euphoria came soon after, playing a much darker character – for which he was called out for his part in portraying ‘toxic masculinity: Then came two films in 2023, Saltburn and Priscilla, which showcased his complex role choices even further: one moment playing a dangerously irresistible Oxford student, the next Elvis Presley with a quiet intensity.
Each performance peeled back a new layer, proving that behind the sharp suits and brooding looks is an actor determined to tell stories that challenge him and the audience. His blend of alluring danger and charming charisma has cemented him as Hollywood’s new leading man.
@thekissingboothchannel just noah being super protective of elle 💋 #tkb #netflix #tkb3 #joeyking #jacobelordi ♬ original sound – The Kissing Booth Fan Channel
Going against the grain
But beyond these roles is still a young actor, navigating his identity in the face of fame. While many actors might lean into the sex-symbol narrative, he’s been openly critical of it.
“You have all sorts of people around the world only talking about what you look like”, he said in an interview with Men’s Health, discussing his discomfort with being objectified by the public.
“I was super young and got thrown into a world where everyone wanted to talk about my body… It really bothered me. I don’t identify with that whatsoever. I was trying to prove myself and be known as an actor. It was so much working out, and I hated every second of it.”
In an industry that thrives on image, this kind of observation from a man feels refreshingly unfiltered. For Gen Z audiences, Jacob represents something different from the traditional Hollywood heartthrob. He resists the usual celebrity circus of scandal and agenda-steering career moves. He doesn’t post much on social media, avoids oversharing and keeps his personal life private. It’s almost rebellious in an era where online visibility seems imperative.
In terms of work, Jacob continues to wander into unpredictable territory – such as his recent appearance as the Creature in Frankenstein (2025), Netflix’s bold, Gothic reimagining of the classic horror story.
His latest project is taking on the iconic role of Heathcliff in the film version of the literary classic Wuthering Heights (in cinemas on 13 February). It’s a passionate and dark story of love and revenge set in the Victorian era — but told with plenty of modern-day spice and sensuality.
From romantic antiheroes to resurrected monsters, he’s proving there’s no role too unusual or too human for him to make truly his own; each film a contribution to his legacy as an actor who is now being noticed for his talent on the big screen not just his looks.
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Fast Facts
- Age: 28 (born 26 June 1997)
- Nationality: Australian (his father is Spanish).
- First Acting Role: Leading as the Cat in the Hat in a school musical production.
- First Hollywood Job: A background extra in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017 ).
- Faye Film: The Dark Knight.
- Pet Golden retriever Layla.
- Workout Song: ‘Anything’ by Eminem.
Words: Claudia Da Silva
Photography: Gallo/Getty images
Also read: Lewis Hamilton: A star on and off the track
