Top 50 Most Popular Australian Actors Of All Time

Heath Ledger is a name recognized by film enthusiasts around the world, celebrated for his unforgettable portrayal of the Joker.

The acclaimed actor, who sadly passed away in 2008, left an indelible legacy with his mesmerizing performance in Christopher Nolan's blockbuster film, The Dark Knight.

In addition to his acting, Ledger also made his mark as a music video director and photographer. His remarkable talent shone through in acclaimed films such as Brokeback Mountain, Monster's Ball, and 10 Things I Hate About You.

Geoffrey Rush began his acting career with the television series Menotti in 1980. He stands among the distinguished few who have achieved the prestigious Triple Crown of Acting.

Rush earned international acclaim after winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1996 film Shine. He has continued to impress audiences with standout performances in acclaimed films such as Quills, The King's Speech, Elizabeth, and the popular Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

In addition to his notable film roles, Geoffrey Rush has also appeared in acclaimed television productions, including Genius and The Life and Death of Peter Sellers.

Throughout his illustrious career, he has received one Academy Award, three British Academy Film Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Russell Crowe is a remarkably versatile talent, renowned as an actor, director, and singer. He made his first on-screen appearance with a minor role on the television show Spyforce in 1972.

Although Crowe was born in New Zealand, he spent a significant part of his childhood—around ten years—in Australia and eventually chose to settle there permanently.

He shot to international fame portraying the Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius in the epic historical film Gladiator, solidifying his status as a household name.

For his outstanding performance in Gladiator, Crowe received several prestigious awards, including the Academy Award, Broadcast Film Critics Association Award, Empire Award, and London Film Critics Circle Award for Best Leading Actor.

Russell Crowe has also delivered acclaimed performances in major films such as The Insider, L.A. Confidential, A Beautiful Mind, Robin Hood, The Nice Guys, and 3:10 to Yuma, among others.

Hugh Jackman stands as a bona fide superstar in the world of cinema. He began his career on the stage and made his television acting debut in 1994 with the show Law of the Land.

Just a few years after starting out, Jackman captured global attention with his iconic portrayal of James "Logan" Howlett, better known as Wolverine, in the hit X-Men film series.

Throughout his career, he has earned numerous accolades, including two Tony Awards, a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe Award.

Jackman's impressive filmography features celebrated projects such as Logan, Kate & Leopold, Prisoners, The Prestige, Les Misérables, and The Greatest Showman, among others.

In 2019, he starred alongside Allison Janney in the acclaimed comedy-drama Bad Education.

Jackman made headlines once again with the announcement of his return as Wolverine in the third installment of the Deadpool franchise, which is set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Hugo Wallace Weaving is an accomplished actor born in Colonial Nigeria to English parents, but he has spent most of his distinguished career working in Australia.

He made his feature film debut in the 1980 film ...Maybe This Time and has since received six Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards.

Weaving has been honored as an Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia. He is renowned for roles in acclaimed films including Proof, the first three The Matrix movies, and both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Joel Edgerton has established himself as one of Australia's most notable actors since his screen debut in the mid-1990s. He gained international recognition for his portrayal of Owen Lars in the iconic Star Wars films, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.

In 2022, Edgerton returned to the Star Wars universe, reprising his role as Owen Lars in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi.

His impressive filmography includes acclaimed roles in major productions such as King Arthur, The Great Gatsby, Red Sparrow, Black Mass, and Loving.

Edgerton's talent has earned him prestigious accolades, including the AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama for his work on The Secret Life of Us.

In addition to acting, Edgerton showcased his directorial skills in 2015 with the suspenseful thriller The Gift, further cementing his reputation as a multifaceted talent in the industry.

David Wenham has built an impressive career across film, television, and theatre, making his acting debut in 1987 on the television series Sons and Daughters.

He rose to international fame through prominent roles in major Hollywood productions, including the Lord of the Rings film trilogy, Van Helsing, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Public Enemies, and both 300 and its sequel 300: Rise of an Empire.

Wenham’s versatility is also evident in his acclaimed television work, appearing in series such as Top of the Lake and Killing Time.

Anthony LaPaglia is an acclaimed Australian actor who made his debut in the television special Kenny & Dolly: A Christmas to Remember. He is widely celebrated for his portrayal of Jack Malone in the crime drama Without a Trace.

LaPaglia's performance in Without a Trace earned him a Golden Globe Award in 2004, highlighting his exceptional talent. He also received a Primetime Emmy Award for his memorable role as Simon Moon in the hit sitcom Frasier.

Beyond television, LaPaglia has appeared in several notable films, including Annabelle: Creation, Betsy's Wedding, Autumn in New York, and Nitram, contributing to his reputation as one of Australia's most popular actors.

Richard Roxburgh is a celebrated actor, writer, producer, and director who initially captured attention through his remarkable stage performances.

He made his mainstream debut in the television series Frontier in 1987, and quickly gained recognition for his roles in Australian films and TV series including Moulin Rouge!, Rake, and Blue Murder.

Roxburgh's international profile grew with standout performances in films such as Mission: Impossible 2, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and Van Helsing.

He also made his directorial debut with Romulus, My Father—a film that featured fellow acclaimed Australian actor Eric Bana in the lead role.

Jack Thompson, born John Hadley Payne, is celebrated as one of the leading figures of the Australian New Wave cinema movement. He began his illustrious acting journey shortly after graduating from the University of Queensland.

Notably, Thompson has earned honorary membership in the Australian Cinematographers Society. He is renowned for his standout performances in classic Australian films like The Club, Sunday Too Far Away, The Man from Snowy River, and Petersen.

In 2005, Thompson received the Living Legend Award at the Inside Film Awards, an honor reflecting his immense impact on the Australian film industry. His breakthrough role in Petersen catapulted him to national stardom and solidified his place as a major Australian film star.

Guy Pearce, an English-born Australian actor, began his career by portraying Mike Young on the iconic Australian television series Neighbours. His talent quickly earned him recognition in the Australian entertainment industry.

He achieved widespread fame with his memorable performance in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Pearce then starred in several acclaimed films, including L.A. Confidential, The Time Machine, and Memento.

More recently, Pearce captivated audiences in the critically acclaimed miniseries Mare of Easttown, starring alongside Kate Winslet. He also earned a Primetime Emmy Award for his impressive work in Mildred Pierce.

In addition to his acting pursuits, Pearce has a passion for music. He released his debut album, Broken Bones, in 2014, followed by his second album, The Nomad, in 2018.

Demonstrating his versatility, Pearce appeared in the music video for Radiohead's song "Follow Me Around," further showcasing his diverse artistic interests.

Ben Mendelsohn is a renowned character actor, widely recognized for his compelling portrayals of criminals and villains across numerous Hollywood productions.

He first rose to prominence with his standout performance in the 1987 film The Year My Voice Broke. Since then, Mendelsohn has delivered memorable roles in acclaimed films such as Animal Kingdom, The Dark Knight Rises, Starred Up, Mississippi Grind, Rogue One, Darkest Hour, and Ready Player One.

In 2017, Mendelsohn made his debut in the prestigious Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), captivating audiences as Talos in both Captain Marvel and Spider-Man: Far From Home.

Beyond his film career, Mendelsohn has also left a significant mark on television. He starred as the lead in HBO's crime miniseries The Outsider and reprised his role as Talos in the Disney+ series Secret Invasion.

Chris Hemsworth made his acting debut in the television series Guinevere Jones, but it was his role as Kim Hyde in the Australian show Home and Away that truly launched his career.

Globally recognized as "Thor" from the blockbuster Avengers and Thor film franchises, Hemsworth ranks among the world's highest-paid movie stars today.

Beyond his iconic superhero roles, Hemsworth has showcased his versatility in films like Extraction, Star Trek, Men in Black: International, Rush, The Cabin in the Woods, and A Perfect Getaway.

He returned as the mighty Thor in Thor: Love and Thunder, and also reprised the role of Tyler Rake for the sequel to Extraction.

Thor: Love and Thunder was released to audiences worldwide in 2022, while the Extraction sequel premiered on Netflix in 2023.

Bryan Brown has been a prominent figure in feature films since the mid-1970s. Over his remarkable career, he has appeared in more than 80 movies and television series both in Australia and internationally.

Brown rose to fame with his breakthrough role in 1980's Breaker Morant. He has also delivered notable performances in titles such as Give My Regards to Broad Street, F/X, Tai-Pan, Cocktail, Gorillas in the Mist, F/X2, Along Came Polly, Australia, Kill Me Three Times, and Gods of Egypt.

His portrayal in the television miniseries The Thorn Birds earned him nominations for both a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award, cementing his reputation as a talented and versatile actor.

Peter Finch is widely regarded as one of the most talented actors of his era. Although born in London, he relocated to Australia at a young age and became a prominent figure in Australian cinema.

Known for his powerful screen performances, Finch also developed a reputation for his vibrant lifestyle—he was known as a hard drinker and enjoyed an active social life.

Fans of this English-born Australian actor often cite his unforgettable role in the 1976 film Network. His portrayal of a troubled, eccentric television anchorman earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Actor.

Additionally, Finch received his fifth Best Actor award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and a Best Actor honor from the Golden Globes for the same role, further cementing his legacy in cinematic history.

Simon Baker first made a mark in the Australian television industry, gaining recognition through appearances in popular shows like E Street, A Country Practice, and Home and Away. His early work established him as a talented actor in his home country.

Baker's breakthrough to international fame came with his role in the acclaimed film L.A. Confidential, which opened doors to mainstream Hollywood projects and expanded his acting repertoire.

Today, Simon Baker is widely celebrated for his compelling portrayal of Patrick Jane in the hit television series The Mentalist, a role that has become the defining performance of his illustrious career.

Colin Friels, originally from Scotland, is a distinguished Australian actor who began his career on stage and television, quickly earning recognition for his talent and versatility.

He made his film debut in "Hoodwink," sharing the screen with his future wife, Judy Davis. This early role marked the start of an impressive film career.

In 1986, Friels received the AFI Award for Best Actor for his acclaimed performance in the cult comedy "Malcolm." His portrayal in this film remains a standout among his body of work.

Friels further cemented his reputation with his role in the television series "Water Rats." His performance earned him the Logie Award for Most Outstanding Actor in 1997, showcasing his continued excellence in the industry.

Eric Bana first captivated audiences in 1996 with his versatility in the television feature Eric, where he played a range of characters.

An accomplished comedian as well, Bana gained recognition early on through roles in notable Australian films like Chopper and The Castle.

He quickly established a strong presence in Hollywood, starring in blockbuster productions such as Hulk, Black Hawk Down, Troy, Munich, Lone Survivor, and Star Trek, among many others.

Paul Hogan is an accomplished actor, comedian, film producer, and writer who made his debut on Australian television in the early 1970s.

He gained widespread recognition by creating, writing, and producing his own comedy sketch show, The Paul Hogan Show, which earned significant popularity not only in Australia but also in the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Although Hogan may not appear frequently in major mainstream films, he achieved international fame by winning the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his iconic portrayal of Michael "Crocodile" Dundee in the first film of the Crocodile Dundee franchise.

Sam Worthington made his acting debut in 2000 with an appearance on the television show JAG.

He gained global recognition after starring as Jake Sully in the record-breaking box office hit Avatar, catapulting him to international fame.

Worthington received Australia’s highest film honor for his outstanding performance in the feature film Somersault. He is also known for his roles in major films such as Terminator Salvation, Wrath of the Titans, Clash of the Titans, Hacksaw Ridge, Fractured, and Everest.

Noah Taylor made his acting debut by featuring in the 1986 motion picture Dogs in Space. He has been seen in several well-known television shows and movies since then.

The actor played the character of Adolf Hitler in both the American television series Preacher and the 2002 film Max. He has also been seen in acclaimed shows such as Game of Thrones and Peaky Blinders.

When it comes to films, Taylor can be seen in titles such as Shine, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and He Died with a Felafel in His Hand, to mention a few.

Jason Clarke made his acting debut by appearing in an episode of a television show Halifax f.p. during the mid-1990s.

Even though he has gone on to feature in many shows ever since he made his debut, he is perhaps best known for playing Tommy Caffee on the television series Brotherhood.

When it comes to the movies, Clarke can be seen making an impact in popular features such as Zero Dark Thirty, White House Down, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Terminator Genisys, Everest, Mudbound, First Man, and Pet Sematary.

The excellent Errol Flynn achieved enormous fame during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

He was mostly seen playing swashbuckling romantic roles and liked to team up with fellow actor Olivia de Havilland for film projects.

Some of his most prominent roles came in motion pictures such as The Adventures of Robin Hood, Captain Blood, The Charge of the Light Brigade, Dodge City, and Santa Fe Trail.

Flynn found stardom by mostly playing characters that allowed him to be a freedom-loving rebel who went on to win the hearts of his leading ladies.

He was perhaps best known for his many adventure movies.

Brendan Cowell is an actor, playwright, and director who was first seen making an appearance in 1999's Kick.

The actor played a role in the Australian cable TV's Love My Way; a show some whose select few episodes were also penned by him.

In 2017, he was seen playing the character of Harrag - an Ironborn sea captain who teams up with Theon Greyjoy - in the smash-hit HBO series Game of Thrones.

Stephen Curry was first seen on the television show Fast Forward in 2001. He's a well-known Australian comedian and actor who has made his presence felt in television dramas, comedy series, and feature films.

He hosted the 50th AFI Awards for the Nine Network in 2008 and has been seen playing a role in shows such as False Witness, 30 Seconds, The Time Of Our Lives, and Sit Down, Shut Up.

Rod Taylor appeared in more than 50 projects throughout the course of his career.

The Australian actor was seen featuring in popular motion pictures such as The Time Machine, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Inglourious Basterds, and The Birds at the peak of his cinematic journey.

Taylor, who began taking art classes in high school, decided to become an actor after having gotten inspired by the iconic Laurence Olivier.

Hailed as the undisputed 'King of Television' in Australia during his heyday, Graham Cyril Kennedy was more of an all-encompassing entertainer rather than a film star.

However, he did make his dynamic presence felt in quite a few movies as well. The entertainer was honored as an officer of the Order of Australia.

He'd been a six-time recipient of the Gold Logie; including his win of the Logie Hall of Fame award and the Star of the Year Award in 1959.

Arguably the most awarded performer in the history of Australian television, Kennedy was seen playing both brief and leading roles in the few motion pictures that he had been a part of.

Troye Sivan is a singer and songwriter who gained popularity as a YouTuber and through talent competitions. Even though he hasn't been seen in a ton of motion pictures, one can find the youngster playing the role of the younger Wolverine in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

He has also been featured as the titular character in the Spud film trilogy. The actor received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song for "Revelation"; a track that he recorded for the movie Boy Erased.

Sivan was also seen playing a supporting role in the film.

Liam Hemsworth made his acting debut on the television show Home and Away in 2007. He first gained attention after appearing in the soap opera Neighbours and the children's television series The Elephant Princess.

The actor decided to follow in his elder brothers' footsteps by taking a call to appear in school plays.

Sooner than later, Liam could be seen making his presence felt in motion pictures such as The Last Song, The Dressmaker, Triangle, Independence Day: Resurgence, and The Hunger Games series.

Vincenzo Colosimo may be of Italian descent but he has become one of the most recognized Australian actors over the years.

Not only has he been a competent stage performer but he has also made an impact both in the movies and on television.

The actor has worked in Australian and United States productions such as Chopper, Body of Lies, The Great Gatsby, and Daybreakers.

Colosimo is also known to have featured in television shows such as Something in the Air and We Can Be Heroes.

Xavier Samuel was first seen playing a part in a television series McLeod's Daughters in 2003.

He can be seen playing crucial roles in feature films such as Adore, September, Further, We Search, Newcastle, The Loved Ones, Frankenstein, A Few Best Men, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, and Spin Out.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse was Samuel's first taste of bonafide mainstream success. The following year, he was nominated for and won an award at the 2011 MTV Movie Awards.

Alex Russell made his acting debut in the 2010 film Wasted on the Young. He is perhaps best known for playing a part in motion pictures such as Chronicle and Believe Me.

The actor was also seen portraying Jim Street in the crime action-drama reboot S.W.A.T. He has also managed to feature in short movies such as The Best Man and Halloween Knight.

Jacob Elordi may be relatively new to the movie scene but he has already been a part of Netflix's The Kissing Booth teen franchise; a series that is credited with bringing him fame.

He is also known for his character projection of Nate Jacobs in the HBO series Euphoria. The young actor first experienced the environment of a Hollywood set when he worked as an extra in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.

That said, Elordi can be seen playing a part in the anthology horror film The Mortuary Collection, which was written and helmed by Ryan Spindell.

Jordan Rodrigues made his acting debut on a television series Home and Away in 2008. Also a competent dancer, he is best known for portraying Trey Emory in the Hulu original series Light as a Feather.

Besides Home and Away, he is also known to have participated in television shows such as Dance Academy and The Fosters. In fact, he was seen playing one of the main characters in the former.

Bud Tingwell was first seen playing an uncredited role in the 1939 feature film Come Up Smiling. He was not only a film actor but he was also a television, theatre, and radio personality.

One of Australia's most popular cinema veterans, he made his first credited screen appearance in 1946. Soon after, he became a consistent performer and went on to feature in more than 100 films and numerous TV programs both in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Firass Dirani was first seen on the television show Children's Hospital in 1998. He is a film and television actor who is perhaps best known for playing a character in Power Rangers Mystic Force.

Also seen in shows such as Underbelly: The Golden Mile and House Husbands, one can find him in the Australian feature film The Combination as well.

Furthermore, he even ended up playing a side role in the action thriller motion picture Killer Elite, which starred actors such as Jason Statham, Clive Owen, and Robert De Niro in significant roles.

After having played a starring role in the series Slide, Brenton Thwaites was seen making his presence felt in the soap opera Home and Away.

The actor made his feature film debut with Charge Over You in 2010. Soon enough, he had significant roles to play in motion pictures such as Blue Lagoon: The Awakening, Oculus, The Giver, Gods of Egypt, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.

The year 2018 saw Thwaites playing the part of Dick Grayson/Robin/Nightwing in the show Titans.

Callan McAuliffe made his acting debut on the television show Comedy Inc. in 2007.

He made his film debut playing the part of Bryce Loski in Flipped, and can also be seen in other mainstream titles such as I Am Number Four and The Great Gatsby.

Aside from his debut series, McAuliffe cam be seen making an appearance in shows such as The Walking Dead and Blue Water High as well.

He has also participated in the Australian coming-of-age short film Franswa Sharl in 2009. It was an independent project.

Keiynan Lonsdale is not only an actor but he is also a dancer, singer, and songwriter who made his acting debut in the 2007 motion picture Razzle Dazzle.

The actor is best known for his roles in television shows such as Dance Academy, Legends of Tomorrow, and The Flash.

Also, one can find him playing a part in feature films such as Love, Simon, The Divergent Series: Insurgent, and The Finest Hours, to mention a few.

Ryan Christian Kwanten is an actor and producer who was first seen participating in the 1992 show A Country Practice.

The actor was seen portraying Vinnie Patterson in the Australian soap opera Home and Away, and soon made a name for himself by appearing in the teen drama series Summerland.

Kwanten continued to add to his list of television credits by being a part of shows such as True Blood, The Oath, and Them.

Dacre Montgomery made his acting debut in the movie Better Watch Out in 2016.

He is best known for playing the role of Billy Hargrove in the popular Netflix series Stranger Things and Jason Scott in the 2017 feature film Power Rangers.

The actor has also been a part of music videos. Furthermore, he launched his own podcast, titled "DKMH", which featured his own poetry in 2019.

Jai Courtney was first seen on the television show All Saints in 2008. He started his acting career by playing small roles in feature films and on TV.

He first gained prominence after being cast as Charlie in the action movie Jack Reacher. Soon after, he was also seen in popular flicks such as A Good Day to Die Hard, I, Frankenstein, The Exception, Suicide Squad, Divergent, and The Suicide Squad.

That being said, one can even catch Courtney playing a part in the popular television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand.

Alex O'Loughlin is an actor, writer, director, and producer who is best known for playing the role of Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett on CBS' remake of the television series Hawaii Five-0.

Given that the actor lived quite close to the beach growing up in Canberra, it is understandable why he'd want to play the part he did in the aforementioned show.

Alex has headlined motion pictures such as Oyster Farmer and The Back-up Plan.

Like most Australian actors, Lincoln Lewis also started his acting career by playing a role in a television show.

He made his debut on the series Sleepover Club in 2003. Better known for playing a part in the movie 'Tomorrow, When the War Began', he can also be found featuring in television shows such as Home and Away and Slide.

Lewis has participated in television shows such as H2O: Just Add Water, Rescue: Special Ops, and Mortified since the young age of 13. He made his feature film debut by playing a tiny role in Aquamarine.

This Australian actor and model initially wished to be a professional Tennis player. However, after having made his acting debut in 2008, there was no looking back.

Best known for appearing in shows such as Neighbours, H2O: Just Add Water, and Home and Away, he won the Most Popular New Male Talent trophy at the Logie Awards ceremony in 2010.

That said, the actor joined the cast of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in 2015.

Luke Hemsworth made his acting debut in 2003 on the television show The Saddle Club.

The older brother of popular Australian actors Chris and Liam Hemsworth, he is best known for having appeared in television shows such as Neighbours and Westworld.

The actor got his acting training at the National Institute of Dramatic Art and was appointed the newest face of Tourism Australia in 2018.

This actor of Jamaican-Canadian descent is best known for playing the role of Scott Truman in Power Rangers RPM.

While he has been in the New Zealand flick Mr. Pip, one can also find him playing a decent part in television shows such as Jessica Jones, The Originals, and Tell Me a Story.

Even though Eka was born in Cairns, Australia, he is currently believed to be residing in California in the United States of America.

Daniel Aaron Lissing was first seen playing a character on the television show Pizza in 2001. Known for starring as Conrad De Groot in the television drama series Crownies, the actor was soon seen playing a role in the American military drama show Last Resort.

He has also made his presence felt within The Hallmark network after having played a key role in the series When Calls the Heart.

Lissing has also been seen in Hallmark Channel's Christmas in Love and A December Bride.

Felix Mallard is an actor, musician, and model who made his acting debut on the popular soap opera Neighbours in 2014.

After having worked in the aforementioned show, he started to take acting seriously. Needless to say, he was then seen in the Netflix series such as Locke & Key, Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, and Ginny & Georgia.

Mallard also marked his presence in the teen romantic drama feature All the Bright Places in 2020.

Devon Terrell is an American-Australian actor who made his professional acting debut in the 2016 feature film Barry. He was seen playing the role of a young Barack Obama in the biopic.

Also known for portraying Arthur in the Netflix original series Cursed, he was first supposed to be seen in an episode of Steve McQueen's HBO miniseries Codes of Conduct.

However, the show was canceled after the pilot was filmed. Terrell is said to have worked on his dialect and seen a lot of Barack Obama speeches in order to do justice to the former president's persona in Barry.