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Michael Dorman
Michael Dorman
from Wikipedia

Michael Dorman is a New Zealand-born Australian actor. He is best known for his starring roles as Tom Wilcox in Wonderland (2013–2015), John Tavner in Patriot (2015–2018), NASA astronaut Gordo Stevens in For All Mankind (2019–2021), and the title character in Joe Pickett (2021–2023).

Key Information

Early life and education

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Michael Dorman was born in Auckland, New Zealand. His mother's side of the family is Māori (specifically, Ngāti Porou people from the east coast of the north island), and his father's ancestors are Pākehā.[a][1]

He moved to Australia with his family at the age of ten, and settled in Bundaberg, Queensland, where he attended Bundaberg State High School.[1] He subsequently studied for a degree in drama at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane.[2]

Career

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Dorman's first role was as Christian on The Secret Life of Us. He was a fan of the show when it premiered in 2001 and he was in his final year of university. He landed the role in 2002 after having moved to Sydney.[2]

One of Dorman's breakthrough performances came in the Australian film Suburban Mayhem (2006).[citation needed] Other lead roles followed in the Australian films Prime Mover (2009) and Needle (2010), as well as supporting work on further Australian films such as West (2007), Acolytes (2008), Triangle (2009), Daybreakers (2009) and Killer Elite (2011).[citation needed] He also featured in a main role as Tom Wilcox in the Australian television comedy-drama Wonderland for the entirety of its run (2013–2015).[citation needed]

After befriending Russell Crowe while working on The Water Diviner (2014), Crowe paid for Dorman's flight to the United States to further his acting career there.[1] He picked up significant roles in TV series For All Mankind and Patriot, and a small role in blockbuster film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017).[citation needed]

He returned to Australia and was living there as of 2018.[1]

Dorman went on to star as Tom Griffin in the horror film The Invisible Man and as Jesse in Hard Luck Love Song (both 2020).[citation needed]

In 2021, it was announced that he would star as the title character of the American TV series Joe Pickett, based on the books by C. J. Box. The show premiered for viewing on the Spectrum Network in December 2021 and Paramount+ streaming service in February 2022.[citation needed]

He was cast as Gol D. Roger in the 2023 Netflix series One Piece, US/UK/Japan co-production,[citation needed] and played Graham Lawson in the 2024 Netflix Australian series Territory.[3] On 20 November 2025, Dorman was announced for ABC television series Treasure & Dirt in the lead role.[4]

Music

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Dorman is also a musician. He has performed live supporting musicians such as Alex Lloyd, The Beautiful Girls, and Abbe May, as well as at festivals, including Peats Ridge, Woodford, and Homebake Festivals.[5]

Recognition and awards

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Dorman was nominated for a Silver Logie for Best Lead Actor in a Drama in the 2025 Logie Awards, for his performance in Territory.[3]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
2001 Spudmonkey Trent
2005 50 Ways of Saying Fabulous Jamie
2006 Suburban Mayhem Rusty
2007 West Mick
2008 Acolytes Gary Parker
2009 Prime Mover Thomas
Triangle Greg
Daybreakers Frankie Dalton [6]
2010 Needle Ben Rutherford
2011 Killer Elite Jake
Sleeping Beauty Cook [7]
2014 The Water Diviner Greeves
2016 Goldstone Patch
2017 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales First Officer Wade
2020 The Invisible Man Tom Griffin
Hard Luck Love Song Jesse

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2002–2005 The Secret Life of Us Christian Hayden Main cast
2005 Small Claims: White Wedding Sean Television film
2006 The Silence Eddison Television film
2011 Sea Patrol Travis Episode: "The Hunted"
Rescue: Special Ops Will Pike Episode: "True Romance"
Wild Boys Dan Sinclair 10 episodes
Blood Brothers Jeff Gillham Television film
2012 Underbelly: Badness Paul Leaske Episode: "Strike Force Tuno"
2013 The Time of Our Lives Joel 3 episodes
Reef Doctors Scottie Episode #1.11
Serangoon Road Conrad Harrison Miniseries, 10 episodes
2013–2015 Wonderland Tom Wilcox 44 episodes
2015–2018 Patriot John Tavner 18 episodes
2016 Black Comedy Guest Cast Episode #2.6
2019–2021 For All Mankind Gordo Stevens 20 episodes[8]
2020 The Secrets She Keeps Jack O'Shaughnessy 6 episodes
2021–2023 Joe Pickett Joe Pickett 20 episodes
2023 One Piece Gol D. Roger Episode: "Romance Dawn"
2024 Territory Graham Lawson 6 episodes
2026 Treasure & Dirt Ivan Lucic TV series

Theatre

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Footnotes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael Dorman (born April 26, 1981) is a New Zealand-born and best known for his leading roles in acclaimed television series including astronaut Gordo Stevens in the Apple TV+ space drama For All Mankind (2019–present) and intelligence officer John Tavner in the Amazon spy comedy Patriot (2015–2018). Born in , , Dorman relocated with his family to , , , at the age of 10, where he was raised and developed an Australian accent that largely supplanted his Kiwi origins. He pursued acting training at a in , making his screen debut in the independent film Spudmonkey (2001) and his television debut as Christian Hayden in the ensemble drama (2002–2005), which helped establish his presence in Australian media. Dorman's international breakthrough came with Patriot, earning praise for his portrayal of a folk-singing covert operative in the dark comedy series created by , which premiered on and ran for two seasons. He followed this with the role of game warden Joe Pickett in the Spectrum Originals (later Paramount+) adaptation of C.J. Box's novels, starring as the titular character across two seasons from 2021 to 2023. In film, Dorman gained wider recognition for supporting turns such as the brother-in-law to Elisabeth Moss's in Leigh Whannell's horror thriller The Invisible Man (2020) and the soldier Greeves in Russell Crowe's drama The Water Diviner (2014). Alongside acting, Dorman has contributed to soundtracks and music departments in projects like (2021), where he played a down-on-his-luck opposite , reflecting his background as a . His recent work includes the neo-Western Netflix series (2024) and a series regular role in the Peacock legal (upcoming 2026). Dorman's career spans Australian television staples like Wonderland (2013–2015) to high-profile U.S. streaming productions, showcasing his versatility in , thriller, and genres.

Early life and education

Ancestry and birth

Michael Dorman was born on April 26, 1981, in , . Dorman has mixed ethnic heritage, with ancestry from his mother's side, specifically affiliated with the from the east coast of the , and ancestry—referring to —from his father's side.

Childhood and relocation

Michael Dorman spent the first ten years of his life in , , where he was born on April 26, 1981. Growing up in a family with mixed heritage, his mother's side traces to the iwi from the east coast of the , while his father is of descent; this background introduced elements of traditions into his early family life, though Dorman later noted he wished he had explored those ties more deeply during childhood. In 1991, Dorman's family relocated to Bundaberg, a regional town in , , marking a significant shift in his formative years. Upon arriving, Dorman quickly adapted to his new environment, with any remnants of his New Zealand accent vanishing almost immediately as he immersed himself in Australian culture and social circles.

Formal education

Dorman completed his secondary education at Bundaberg State High School in , where supportive teachers and principal Dave Wilkinson played a key role in encouraging his early interests during his formative teenage years. After high school, Dorman enrolled in the drama program at (QUT) in , where he earned a (Drama) in 2001. His studies at QUT provided foundational training in for and screen, including hands-on involvement in theatre productions that honed his performance skills. This formal education at QUT ignited and deepened Dorman's initial interest in the , framing as a powerful medium to connect with audiences and convey personal insights into life. The program's emphasis on practical experience directly paved the way for his transition into professional roles shortly after graduation.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Dorman married Tessa Richardson in 2011 in . The couple attended the February 2020 premiere of in Hollywood together. Dorman is a father to two children, including a daughter born in the 2010s and a son. He has spoken fondly of sharing experiences like reading the series with his son, marking the child's first full book series. Throughout his career, Dorman has prioritized , rarely discussing personal details in interviews and focusing instead on the joys of parenthood without revealing specifics about his children's lives.

Residences and citizenship

Michael Dorman was born on April 26, 1981, in , , granting him by birth under the country's principle. At the age of 10, Dorman's family relocated from to , , where he grew up and later pursued his early acting career, establishing long-term residency in . While specific details on his Australian legal status are not publicly detailed, his extended residence since childhood aligns with permanent residency pathways for citizens under the , allowing indefinite stay and work rights without formal acquisition. This move fostered his integration into Australian culture, though he has retained his nationality. In the mid-2010s, Dorman relocated to Los Angeles to pursue international opportunities, including roles in American productions, marking a shift toward U.S.-based professional commitments while maintaining his primary residences across the Pacific. He has resided in Los Angeles since at least 2020, navigating work visa arrangements common for foreign actors in Hollywood. More recently, Dorman returned to for the 2024 filming of the series , spending extended periods in the and , which highlighted his ongoing ties to the region amid his base. These trans-Pacific residencies underscore Dorman's dual cultural connections to and , complemented by his professional life in the United States.

Career

Early roles in Australia

Michael Dorman's early professional career in began shortly after graduating from the (QUT), where his drama training provided the foundation for his initial forays into theatre. One of his first notable stage roles was as Dan in the La Boite Theatre Company's production of 48 Shades of Brown in 2001, an adaptation of Nick Earls' novel that explored teenage awkwardness and family dynamics in . This performance, directed by Jean-Marc Russ, earned Dorman recognition in the local theatre scene and marked his transition from student productions to professional work. His screen debut came in the independent comedy film Spudmonkey (2001), where he portrayed Trent, a member of a boy band navigating the music industry amid personal and professional mishaps. Directed by Stuart McBratney, the low-budget feature highlighted Dorman's comedic timing and musical abilities, as the role involved performing in a fictional pop group. This early film credit established him in Australia's indie cinema circuit, though it received limited distribution. Dorman's television breakthrough arrived with his recurring role as Christian Hayden on the popular Australian drama series (2002–2005), appearing in 47 episodes across seasons 2 through 4. As the charming yet unreliable musician Christian, a flatmate in the show's ensemble of young residents, Dorman brought a mix of humor and vulnerability to the character, contributing to the series' exploration of urban relationships and personal growth. The role, which he landed after moving to , significantly raised his profile domestically and showcased his versatility in long-form storytelling. Building on this momentum, Dorman secured a key supporting role as Rusty in the dark comedy-thriller (2006), directed by Paul Goldman. Playing the hapless boyfriend to the film's anti-heroine Katrina Skinner (), Dorman's portrayal of the dim-witted yet sympathetic Rusty added depth to the story of suburban dysfunction and crime in Western Sydney. The film premiered at the and received critical acclaim for its raw depiction of Australian underclass life, with Dorman's noted for its authenticity and emotional range, solidifying his reputation as an emerging talent in Australian cinema.

International breakthrough

Dorman's international breakthrough began with his leading role as Tom Wilcox in the Australian drama series Wonderland, which aired from 2013 to 2015 and consisted of 44 episodes. In the series, he portrayed a navigating complex relationships within a group of friends living in a apartment complex, earning acclaim for his nuanced performance that highlighted his versatility in dramatic roles. This exposure on a high-profile domestic production built his profile, paving the way for opportunities beyond . In late 2015, Dorman achieved his debut by landing the starring role of John Tavner, a CIA operative and folk singer entangled in espionage, in the series Patriot (2015–2018). The dark comedy-drama, created by , spanned two seasons and 20 episodes, showcasing Dorman's ability to blend humor, tension, and musical elements, which critics praised as a standout feature of the show. This lead role marked a significant transition to American television, establishing him in the international market after years of building credibility in Australian projects. Dorman's rising global presence extended to film in 2017, when he appeared as First Officer Wade, a British officer, in the fifth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Dead Men Tell No Tales. The blockbuster, directed by and , featured Dorman alongside stars like and , providing high-visibility exposure in Hollywood cinema. Following these successes, Dorman relocated to to pursue further opportunities in the , shifting his primary representation from Australian agency Shanahan Management to American outlets, which facilitated his integration into the Hollywood ecosystem.

Recent television and film work

In the Apple TV+ alternate-history series For All Mankind, Dorman portrayed Gordo Stevens across the first two seasons, from to , depicting the character's evolution amid escalating tensions. Dorman appeared as Tom Griffin, the brother of the titular antagonist, in Leigh Whannell's 2020 psychological horror film , where his character serves as a key figure in the protagonist's escalating . In , he starred as a down-on-his-luck opposite in the romantic drama . From 2021 to 2023, Dorman led the Paramount+ Western drama Joe Pickett as the titular game warden, appearing in all 20 episodes across two seasons adapted from C.J. Box's novels. In Netflix's 2023 live-action adaptation of , Dorman portrayed the legendary pirate Gol D. Roger in flashback sequences central to the series' lore. Dorman starred as Graham Lawson, the troubled heir to a vast Australian cattle empire, in the 2024 Netflix limited series , earning praise for his depiction of familial and territorial conflicts in the . In August 2024, Dorman signed with the talent agency for representation, alongside his ongoing management with Entertainment 360. In 2025, Dorman joined the cast of Peacock's legal drama as a series regular.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRole
2001SpudmonkeyTrent
200550 Ways of Saying FabulousJamie
2006Suburban MayhemRusty
2007WestMick
2008AcolytesGary Parker
2009DaybreakersFrankie Dalton
2009Prime MoverThomas
2009TriangleGreg
2010NeedleBen Rutherford
2011Killer EliteJake
2011Sleeping BeautyCook
2014The Water DivinerGreeves
2016GoldstonePatch
2017Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No TalesFirst Officer Wade
2020The Invisible ManTom Griffin
2021Hard Luck Love SongJesse

Television

Dorman first gained prominence on Australian television with a leading role in the drama series , portraying Christian Hayden across 47 episodes from 2002 to 2005. In 2005, he appeared as Sean in the television film Small Claims: White Wedding. In 2006, he played Eddison in the television film The Silence. His early career included several guest appearances, such as Paul Leask in one episode of Underbelly: Badness in 2012. In 2011, he appeared as Travis in a single episode of the procedural drama Sea Patrol. That same year, Dorman guest-starred as Will Pike in one episode of the action series Rescue: Special Ops. He then took on a recurring role as Dan Sinclair in the period adventure Wild Boys, appearing in all 10 episodes. Also in 2011, he starred as Jeff Gillham in the television film Blood Brothers. In 2013, Dorman played Joel in three episodes of the family comedy-drama The Time of Our Lives. Also in 2013, he had a guest role as Scottie in one episode of the Reef Doctors. Later that year, he starred as Conrad Harrison in the HBO Asia miniseries , appearing in 10 episodes. From 2013 to 2015, Dorman led the ensemble of the romantic drama Wonderland as Tom Wilcox, featuring in all 44 episodes. His international breakthrough came with the lead role of John Tavner in the spy comedy-drama Patriot (2015–2018), spanning 18 episodes. In 2016, he made a in one episode of the series . Dorman portrayed Gordo Stevens in the first two seasons of the Apple TV+ series For All Mankind (2019–2021), appearing in 20 episodes. In 2020, he played Jack O'Shaughnessy in the psychological thriller miniseries , across all 6 episodes of the first season. Dorman starred as the titular game warden in the Paramount+ neo-Western Joe Pickett (2021–2023), leading in 20 episodes over two seasons. In 2023, he had a brief but pivotal guest role as Gol D. Roger in the Netflix live-action adaptation of , appearing in one episode. His most recent television role is Graham Lawson in the Netflix limited series (2024), a six-episode neo-Western . In 2025, he is set to appear as Ben in the Peacock legal drama The Good Daughter (upcoming).

Other work

Theatre

Michael Dorman's early theatrical training took place at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Drama in 2001. During his studies, he appeared in several student productions, including the role of Joe in Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean in 2000. In 2001, Dorman performed as Lucentio in a QUT staging of Shakespeare's , showcasing his versatility in classical roles. That same year, he took on the part of Frank in The Art of Success, a play exploring the life of artist . These university performances provided foundational experience in ensemble work and character development. Following his graduation, Dorman's professional stage debut came in the 2001 production of 48 Shades of Brown at Brisbane's La Boite Theatre Company, where he portrayed the lead character Dan, a teenager navigating family dynamics and personal growth in a Nick Earls adaptation. For this role, he received the 2001 Matilda Award for Most Outstanding Actor, recognizing his breakout performance in independent Australian theatre. These early stage credits, centered in Brisbane's regional theatre scene, honed Dorman's skills before his transition to screen acting.

Music

Dorman has engaged in musical activities separate from his acting pursuits, including live support performances for established Australian artists. In May 2011, he appeared as a special guest musician at Notes Live in , supporting and The Pigram Brothers during their "Music for Mad Bastards" concerts on the 20th and 21st, alongside other acts like Evil J & . Additionally, Dorman contributed vocals to the 2009 soundtrack for the film Prime Mover, collaborating with singer Abbe May on covers such as John Prine's "In Spite of Ourselves" and the original track "Stuck on You." He performed these songs live with May at the Homebake Festival in Sydney on December 5, 2009, as part of a promotional set in the festival's cinema tent.

Awards and nominations

Logie Awards

Michael Dorman received his first Logie Award nomination in 2003 for Most Popular New Male Talent, recognizing his breakout performance as Christian Hayden in the Australian drama series The Secret Life of Us. In 2025, Dorman earned a Silver Logie nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Drama for portraying Graham Lawson in the Netflix series Territory.

Other recognitions

In 2011, Dorman won the Best Actor award in the Feature Film category at the Melbourne Underground Film Festival for his leading role in the supernatural horror film Needle. This recognition highlighted his early contributions to Australian independent cinema. For his ensemble work in the Australian drama series Wonderland, Dorman received a nomination for the Equity Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2014, shared with co-stars including Anna Bamford and Mike Booth. Dorman's portrayal of intelligence officer John Tavner in the series Patriot (2015–2018) earned critical acclaim for its blend of dark and emotional depth. The series itself was nominated for Best Series at the 8th in 2017. Reviewers praised Dorman's performance as a standout, noting his ability to convey existential angst and whimsy in a New York Times critique that described the show as an "endearing and unsettling" spy-thriller sendup. similarly highlighted his excellence across tones of and melancholy. In the Apple TV+ alternate-history series For All Mankind (2019–present), Dorman's role as astronaut Gordo Stevens contributed to the show's broader acclaim, with season two earning a for the TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Drama in . The series won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding for a Single-Camera Series (One Hour) in , recognizing its technical achievements in depicting . Critics lauded the ensemble's grounded portrayals, with Dorman's arc noted for its emotional complexity in explorations of personal sacrifice amid geopolitical tension.

References

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