After completing his high school education, Joel enrolled at the University of Western Sydney where he pursued a degree in drama in 1991 but dropped out after a year to pursue his passion for acting. Joel’s career started in the late 1990s when he landed lead roles in several Australian television dramas such as « The Secret Life of Us » and « Police Rescue. » His debut film role was in « Praise » in 1998, a critically acclaimed Australian independent film that showcased Joel’s diverse acting ability.
In 2005, Joel gained international recognition for his role in « Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones » and « Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith » as Owen Lars, the stepbrother of Anakin Skywalker (played by Hayden Christensen). Since then, Joel has gone on to star in many blockbuster hits such as « The Great Gatsby » (2013) alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and « Black Mass » (2015) opposite Johnny Depp.
One of Joel’s most notable performances is in the film « Loving » (2016), where he earned critical acclaim and accolades for his portrayal of Richard Loving, a white man who fought for his right to marry his African-American wife in the 1960s. The film received numerous nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for Ruth Negga.
Joel’s acting talent has also led him to receive writing and directing projects. He wrote and directed the Australian film « The Gift » in 2015, a psychological thriller that stars Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall. The film received positive reviews and solidified Joel’s capabilities as an all-around filmmaker.
In addition to his artistic talents, Joel has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts. He supports the Fred Hollows Foundation that aims to prevent blindness in developing countries by performing simple and affordable surgeries.
With his immense talent and passion for the art, Joel Edgerton has become a fixture in Hollywood and continues to make waves in the industry. He has proven to be multi-talented and holds a special gift for bringing characters to life on-screen. As he continues to write, direct, and act, audiences can expect to see more of Joel Edgerton’s unique perspective in film and television.