From the shores of Home and Away‘s Summer Bay to the glittery canyons of Hollywood, Australia’s very own Luke Bracey has already experienced a career trajectory most actors only dream of.
But as he rapidly reaches the dizzying heights of Tinsel Town, the 31-year-old star of the new Netflix hit Holidate, tells Woman’s Day why he’s refusing to lose himself in the fame game.
The 31-year-old hunk originally had his eye on construction or a job in sports, but a chance opportunity to audition for Australia’s number one soap, Home and Away, saw his life move onto a totally different path.
(Image: Netflix)You’ve gone from Summer Bay to Hollywood! Did you ever think you’d end up where you are now?
Luke Bracey: I never thought I’d end up in Summer Bay, let alone Hollywood, but I’m very grateful!
You were close to going into sport or construction but a chance opportunity saw you audition for Home And Away – tell us about that!
I originally wanted to be a professional rugby union or league player. I went to school with a guy whose father was a TV producer and he randomly asked me to audition for something.
Several months later, the casting agent called me back for a Home And Away audition. I figured why not give it a chance, so I went in. I got a call the next morning saying I booked the job, and suddenly I was on TV for six months!
Your new Netflix film Holidate is exactly what we need right now! What made you sign on?
I read the script, which I thought was hilarious and full of heart. I’d never done a rom-com before – let alone comedy – which was terrifying, but I like a challenge. I always try to make different types of movies and explore different genres to push my boundaries.
The Australian actor currently stars in Netflix’s new rom-com Holidate alongside Emma Roberts.
(Image: Netflix)How do you find working in rom-coms compared to dramas? Do you prefer one?
I don’t prefer one over the other. They’re different, and I enjoy them both immensely. With drama, there’s an intensity that I really love but doing a rom-com was an amazing experience because I just went to work and laughed all day. It’s fun and warm. I feel lucky I’ve been able to do both. I love being able to make different kinds of movies.
Coming from beachy Freshwater, Sydney, is Hollywood all you expected it to be?
I didn’t know what to expect, and I think that worked in my favour. Since I’ve been acting, I’ve just kept one foot in front of the other, so I didn’t have expectations of what Hollywood was like. I just kind of let it happen, and I think that was the best way.
I just wanted to experience it, and I’ve been fortunate that I’ve had some unforgettable experiences. I’ve met really great people, made amazing friends and been to some awesome places and some cool parties as well.
Is there an element that you don’t particularly like?
Personally for me, I love my job. I stay out of the Hollywood scene and that’s the only way I stay sane and normal through all of this.
I don’t really engage in it or think about it. I just concentrate on my work and enjoy myself. I’m on the outside of the Hollywood bubble by choice.
Luke starred alongside Hollywood heavyweights Mel Gibson, Andrew Garfield, Teresa Palmer in 2016’s blockbuster film Hacksaw Ridge.
(Image: Getty)You’ve worked with some incredible actors, such as Reese Witherspoon in Little Fires Everywhere, and Mel Gibson in Hacksaw Ridge – who’s been your favourite so far?
There isn’t one favourite because I’ve been fortunate to work with so many amazing people. I loved working with Pierce Brosnan.
He’s such a lovely, kind, funny person, and we had a great time making The November Man. I had an amazing time on Point Break with Ray Winstone, Edgar Ramirez and Matias Varela. It was unreal working with Mel Gibson on Hacksaw Ridge, and watching Andrew Garfield act in that film was incredible.
Vince Vaughn is also one of my favourite actors, and he’s so hilarious. Everyone I’ve worked with so far has been great!
Holidate is available to stream now on Netflix.
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