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Fearless, versatile, and never the obvious choice – Joel Tobeck inhabits roles from the deliciously dark to the wickedly offbeat.
"I don't have classic good looks ... but then I'd rather play the off-centre roles. I'm quite happy playing a drug addict or the bastard in the wheelchair." – Joel Tobeck (courtesy NZ OnScreen)
One of Australasia’s most experienced and respected actors, Joel comes from a theatrical family, making his stage debut aged five with mother Liddy Holloway.
Stage work has ranged from Shakespeare to musical theatre. He has worked in bands as singer and guitarist. His skillset embraces voice work, radio, improv, Theatresports, dance and choreography.
Screen appearances have been equally diverse. Two dozen film roles on a spectrum from whimsical comedy to intense drama and horror; and a television career that has seen him move comfortably between New Zealand, Australia and the U.S in a variety of genres.
19 years apart, he played two regular characters in Shortland Street. He had a rollicking time in Westside and played Burgermeister in Peter Jackson’s Mortal Engines.
The busy times continue: playing Laurie Mains in the mini series Jonah, another season of The Doctor Blake Mysteries (nominated for a 2019 Equity Ensemble Award) Runaway Millionaires, The Luminaries, all three seasons of One Lane Bridge, and the massive Avatar: The Way of Water.
Awards include NZ Film & TV Awards 2021 Best Actor for Black Hands; Most Outstanding Performance By an Actor at the Australian Subscription Television & Radio Association Awards, and in 2019 a Best Actor nomination for Alibi, an innovative non-linear drama for TVNZ On Demand.
Known for fearless choices and magnetic performances, Joel thrives in roles that challenge convention across theatre, film, and television across both sides of the Tasman and across the Pacific. Respected by peers and sought after by directors, he brings depth, nuance, and a dash of the unexpected to every project.
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