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Sullivan Stapleton
Sullivan Stapleton
Sullivan Stapleton
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Sullivan Stapleton (born 14 June 1977)[1] is an Australian actor who is best known for his roles in the television series The Secret Life of Us, Strike Back and Animal Kingdom. He also starred in the NBC crime drama Blindspot.

Key Information

Stapleton played the lead role, Greek leader Themistocles, in the film 300: Rise of an Empire (2014).[2] In 2013, he was honoured with a Breakthrough Award at an exclusive Australians in Film Benefit Dinner held in Los Angeles.[3]

Early life

[edit]

Stapleton was born in Melbourne, Victoria.[4] He was eight years old when he and his younger sister, actress Jacinta Stapleton, six at the time, joined an acting and modelling agency. The idea first came to their aunt who signed her kids with the agency. She then asked her nephew and nieces if they would like to join and their mother signed them in. Stapleton's younger brother Joshua also launched into acting in early childhood; as well as acting, he pursued talents in dance and musical theatre.[5][6]

Stapleton's picture caught the attention of a director who invited him to be in his short film (about high school dropouts at a party where girls were dying, without the graphic violence). Pleased by his performance, the director said he was gifted and encouraged him to pursue acting.[6]

Stapleton received training at Melbourne's St. Martin's Theatre. He studied drama and theatre at Sandringham Secondary College (in Sandringham, Victoria, Australia).[7]

Career

[edit]

Stapleton launched his career in Australia.[7] He got his actors' union card at the age of 9 and at 11 he started working in ads.[8] Stapleton's first onscreen acting performance was in the 1994 Australian TV-movie Baby Bath Massacre as Adrian.[7][9] Between acting jobs, Stapleton did several types of work: modeling, cleaning animal cages in a pet shop, and working as a grip in many films and TV productions. In 1995, Sullivan appeared in Blue Heelers for one episode, and again in 2003 for 3 episodes. (The Elephant Princess, Rush, Tangle)[8] in front and behind the camera, working on building sites, and assisting carpenters.[6][7][8][10][11]

Before landing a role as Josh Hughes in Australian soap opera Neighbours in 1998, he appeared in a string of little-seen features and homegrown dramas.[9] Other notable roles include Justin Davies in the Australian televised serial The Secret Life of Us (between 2003 and 2005),[12] Fearless in the motion picture December Boys (released in 2007), special agent Wilkins in the mainstream feature, The Condemned (an American action film distributed in 2007).[13] But it was with Stapleton's performance in the Academy Award-nominated film Animal Kingdom, which premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, that he made an international breakthrough.[6][9][12]

When Animal Kingdom won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival interest in him sparked on two continents[8] and his career has taken him across the globe.[10] He made his second appearance in Underbelly, an Australian true crime drama television series, this time as the lead character, Colin McLaren in Underbelly Files: Infiltration. This was an endurance test for Stapleton and the first challenging shoot of his career.[8] Previously he played Pat Barbaro in Underbelly (episode Suffer the Children) in 2008.[8][10]

In early 2014, Stapleton was in Thailand for the filming of the TV series Strike Back. In February, on a night out in Bangkok after work, he fell off a tuk-tuk and suffered a head injury that left him in a coma.[14] He was resuscitated by former UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping, with whom he had been spending his night out.[15] Shooting for the show was paused for six months to allow his full recovery. Airing of the fifth season was also pushed to 2015.[16][17]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1996 River Street Chris
1998 Amy Wayne Lassiter
2000 Bored Olives Dom
2003 Darkness Falls Officer Matt Henry
2004 Everything Goes Jack Short movie
2007 The Condemned Special Agent Brad Wilkins
2007 The Bloody Sweet Hit Carl Short film
2007 December Boys Fearless
2010 Animal Kingdom Craig Cody Nominated—AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role
2010 Centre Place James Ballintyne
2011 The Hunter Doug
2013 Gangster Squad Jack Whalen
2014 300: Rise of an Empire Themistocles
2014 Kill Me Three Times Nathan Webb
2014 Cut Snake Pommie Nominated—AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role
Nominated—Australian Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor
Nominated—FCCA Award for Best Actor
2017 Renegades Matt Barnes [18]
2019 Ride Like a Girl Darren Weir
2020 A Sunburnt Christmas Dingo
TBA Runner † Josh Filming

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1994 Baby Bath Massacre Adrian Television film
1995, 2003 Blue Heelers Ian Shannon, Gethin Fox, Anthony Hood Episodes: "Second Innings" (as Ian Shannon); "Father's Day: Part 1&2" (as Gethin Fox); "Victims" (as Anthony Hood)
1997 Good Guys Bad Guys Paul Morello Episode: "A Bilby in Rat's Clothing"
1998 Raw FM Bucky Episode: "Raw'n'Sore"
1998 Neighbours Josh Hughes Recurring role; 10 episodes
1998 The Genie from Down Under 2 Surfer #2 Episode: "The Cold Shoulder"
1998 Halifax f.p. Hamish Episode: "Afraid of the Dark"
1997–1998 State Coroner 'Bullbar' Benson/Darren Pyke Episodes: "Sunday in the Country" (as 'Bullbar' Benson), "Final Approach" (as Darren Pyke)
1999 Witch Hunt Craig Thomas Television film
1999 Pigs Breakfast Television series
1999 Stingers Matt Wilmott Episode: "Dance With the Dragon"
2000 Something in the Air Wayne Taylor Episodes: "The Best Man", "The Things We Do", "The Big Match", "Return of the Prodigal"
2000 Green Sails Infante Television film
2001 My Brother Jack Young Joe Television film
2002 MDA Ben Quilty Episodes: "Rites of Passage", "One Small Step"
2003–2005 The Secret Life of Us Justin Davies Main role; 24 episodes
2005 Little Oberon Martin Television film
2006 McLeod's Daughters Drew Cornwell Episode: "Winners & Losers"
2007–2009 Satisfaction Josh Recurring role; 13 episodes
2008 Underbelly Pat Barbaro Episode: "Suffer the Children"
2008 Canal Road Jack Logan Episodes: "Episode 2", "Episode 5", "Episode 10"
2008 Rush Yuri Episode: "Episode 12"
2009 Carla Cametti PD Matt Brodie Recurring role; 6 episodes
2009 Sea Patrol Geoff Kershaw Episode: "Guns"
2010 The Odds Wade TV film
2010 Lowdown Oliver Barry Episode: "Bonk Bonk, Who's There?"
2011 Underbelly Files: Infiltration Colin McLaren Main role; television film
2011–2018 Strike Back Sgt. Damien Scott Main role; 42 episodes
2015–2020 Blindspot Kurt Weller Main role; 100 episodes
2022 After the Verdict Daniel Main role; 6 episodes

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sullivan Stapleton

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from Grokipedia
Sullivan Stapleton is an Australian and born on June 14, 1977, in , Victoria, best known for his leading roles in the action series Strike Back as Sgt. Damien Scott and Blindspot as FBI agent Kurt Weller, as well as the film 300: Rise of an Empire as . Raised in alongside his younger sister, actress , he entered the industry early, joining an acting agency around age 10. His onscreen debut came in 1994 with the TV movie Baby Bath Massacre, followed by supporting roles in Australian television series such as (2001–2005) and Satisfaction (2007–2009), which helped establish his reputation in local drama. Without attending , Stapleton honed his craft through practical experience, forgoing completion of high school to pursue acting full-time. Stapleton gained international acclaim with his breakout performance as Craig Cody in the 2010 crime drama Animal Kingdom, earning an AACTA Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and contributing to the film's acclaim at Sundance. This led to Hollywood opportunities, including the high-profile role in 300: Rise of an Empire (2014), where he portrayed the strategic Athenian general opposite Eva Green. His television career peaked with Strike Back (2011–2018) on Cinemax, showcasing his action-hero prowess in intense military scenarios, and the long-running NBC procedural Blindspot (2015–2020), which solidified his status as a versatile lead in American network TV. Stapleton has received further recognition, including AACTA and Film Critics Circle of Australia nominations for Best Actor in Cut Snake (2014), highlighting his range in dramatic roles. More recently, as of 2023, he has appeared in Australian projects like the miniseries After the Verdict (2022) and Fires (2023), maintaining a steady presence in both film and television.

Early life

Childhood in Melbourne

Sullivan Stapleton was born on June 14, 1977, in , Victoria, . He grew up in the city's suburban environment, which provided a typical Australian upbringing during his formative years. Stapleton comes from a family with ties to the ; his younger sister, , and younger brother, Joshua Stapleton, are also performers—Jacinta an actress and Joshua an actor and professional ballet dancer—who pursued careers in the industry from a young age. Limited public details exist about his parents, but the siblings' shared interest in suggests early familial encouragement toward creative pursuits. As a child, Stapleton developed a passion for . During his teenage years, Stapleton attended Sandringham Secondary College in the Melbourne suburb of Sandringham, where he studied theater and drama, honing his interest in performance, though he left before completing high school to pursue acting full-time. This educational focus, combined with Melbourne's vibrant cultural scene, fostered his creative development amid a close-knit family dynamic that emphasized artistic expression. At age eight, he took his first steps into the professional world by joining an acting agency alongside his sister.

Initial acting experiences

Stapleton entered the world at the age of eight when he and his younger sister joined a children's and modeling agency in . This early involvement stemmed from family encouragement, as their mother followed the example of relatives who had placed their children in similar agencies. Through the agency, Stapleton secured minor modeling assignments and small opportunities, primarily in the form of television advertisements during the late and early . These gigs provided exposure and pocket money but remained limited in scope, allowing him to balance them with his schooling. His first significant on-screen role arrived in 1994 at age 17, when he portrayed in the Australian television movie Baby Bath Massacre, directed by Stuart McDonald. This short project marked his professional debut in narrative storytelling, though it garnered limited attention. Following this, Stapleton continued with sporadic minor roles in Australian productions, gradually building experience without the structure of a dedicated academy. Lacking formal training—having only studied drama as part of his at Sandringham Secondary and received informal instruction at Melbourne's St. Martin's Theater—Stapleton honed his craft through hands-on immersion in local theater workshops and entry-level television work. He has reflected on forgoing university-level programs, instead relying on practical auditions and on-set learning to develop his technique. By the late , this self-directed approach led to a shift toward more committed pursuits, including persistent auditions for recurring parts in Australian soap operas.

Career

Early Australian television roles

Sullivan Stapleton gained prominence in Australian television with his role as Justin Davies in the drama series , which aired from 2001 to 2005 on Network Ten. He joined the cast in the third season (2003), portraying a studious, politically aware university student who often came across as confident and opinionated, contributing to the show's exploration of urban relationships and personal ambitions in Melbourne's St Kilda suburb. This recurring role marked a significant step in his career, allowing him to develop a domestic following through 24 episodes across seasons three and four. Following this breakthrough, Stapleton took on the recurring role of Josh, a client entangled in the lives of sex workers, in the Foxtel series Satisfaction from 2007 to 2009. The show, which delved into the professional and personal dynamics of a brothel, featured him in 13 episodes, showcasing his ability to handle complex, morally ambiguous characters. He then appeared as Pat Barbaro, a member of the notorious , in the crime drama Underbelly (season two, 2009). These projects solidified his reputation in Australian media, with Stapleton balancing commitments across multiple productions in the late 2000s. Stapleton also made notable guest appearances in popular Australian series, including multiple episodes of —first in 1995 as a teenager and later in 2003 as different characters such as Ian Shannon—on the Seven Network. In 2006, he guest-starred as Drew Cornwell, a farm overseer, in an episode of on the , further demonstrating his range in rural drama settings. Early in his career, Stapleton navigated the competitive landscape of Australian television by taking on diverse guest spots and recurring roles while working odd jobs between gigs to sustain himself. His foundational work in Australian TV culminated in recognition with Award from Australians in Film in , honoring his transition to international projects following domestic success. The award, presented at a benefit dinner in , acknowledged Stapleton's rising profile after roles like those in and Underbelly.

International breakthrough

Stapleton's international breakthrough began with his starring role as Scott, a disgraced former U.S. operative, in the action series Strike Back, which aired from 2010 to 2015 and marked his entry into U.S. and markets through co-production with and . The series, known for its high-octane military operations, showcased Stapleton's ability to handle intense physical action sequences, where he performed many of his own stunts alongside co-star . This role elevated him from Australian supporting parts to a global leading man, with the show's five seasons running across international networks. Concurrently, Stapleton made his mark in Hollywood films starting with Animal Kingdom (2010), where he portrayed Craig Cody, the volatile middle brother in a , earning critical notice for his raw intensity in David Michôd's directorial debut. This was followed by supporting roles in Gangster Squad (2013) as Jack Whalen, a allied with gangster , and a lead turn as the Greek general in 300: Rise of an Empire (2014), where he led the charge against Persian invaders in the sequel to the 2006 hit. For the latter, Stapleton underwent a rigorous 12-week training regimen to build muscle mass and achieve a sculpted physique suitable for the film's epic battle scenes, transforming his on-screen presence for action-heavy roles. Stapleton solidified his status as a television lead with the role of FBI Kurt Weller in NBC's Blindspot (2015–2020), a crime drama spanning five seasons that centered on a mysterious tattooed woman and a team unraveling conspiracies. His performance as the dedicated yet conflicted agent drew praise for blending authority with vulnerability, marking a shift from ensemble action to serialized dramatic leads. In 2016, Stapleton received a Film Critics Circle of nomination for for his portrayal of the troubled ex-convict James "Sparra" Spinks in the thriller Cut Snake, highlighting his range in psychologically intense characters. These roles collectively propelled Stapleton from domestic to international star, emphasizing his versatility in action, drama, and physical demands.

Recent television and film projects

Following the end of his long-running role on the American series Blindspot in , Sullivan Stapleton shifted focus toward Australian productions, embracing narratives rooted in local experiences while continuing to pursue international opportunities. This period marked a deliberate return to homegrown television, allowing him to diversify beyond high-octane action genres that defined much of his earlier international work. In 2023, Stapleton appeared in the ABC anthology miniseries Fires, which dramatized personal stories from the devastating 2019–2020 Australian bushfire season. He played the role of Lewis, a father entangled in the personal impacts of the fires and community resilience, contributing to an ensemble cast that included and . The six-part series, produced by Matchbox Pictures, highlighted the human cost of through interconnected vignettes. Stapleton's next major Australian television project came in 2022 with the Channel 9 miniseries After the Verdict, where he starred as Daniel, a key figure in a tense legal drama examining the ripple effects of a high-profile on the accused's circle of friends. The six-episode series, created by Mia Myers, explored themes of and fractured relationships, with Stapleton's performance noted for injecting humor and vulnerability into his typically stoic screen presence. In a interview, he reflected on how the provided unexpected creative breathing room, enabling him to approach the role with a lighter, more playful energy after years of intense action sequences. As of November 2025, Stapleton has continued his career with guest appearances, including a role in FBI: International (2024). In reflections from the early , he has discussed the bittersweet closure of Blindspot—which wrapped amid global shutdowns—and the value of returning to Australian stories for personal and professional rejuvenation.

Personal life

Family

Sullivan Stapleton maintains a notably private , residing in , , where he balances his international career with time spent with close family. He has two younger siblings: actress and actor Joshua Stapleton, both of whom entered the entertainment industry alongside him during their childhood. The Stapleton siblings share a strong bond forged through their early shared experiences in acting and modeling, beginning when Sullivan was eight years old and Jacinta was six; Joshua also pursued acting from a young age while developing talents in ballet and musical theater. Jacinta, known for her role as Amy Greenwood on the Australian soap opera Neighbours, and Sullivan have occasionally reflected on their collaborative starts in the industry, highlighting mutual support in their professional endeavors. Joshua, meanwhile, has appeared in various productions and maintains a lower public profile compared to his siblings. Stapleton rarely discusses his romantic relationships publicly, emphasizing privacy amid his demanding schedule. In March 2025, Stapleton's former partner, actress Alexis Kelley, filed a civil lawsuit against him in Nevada alleging domestic violence, assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment, and sexual battery, stemming from incidents between 2022 and 2023. The suit was amended in July 2025 and remains ongoing as of November 2025.

Philanthropic activities

Sullivan Stapleton has participated in charitable efforts focused on and initiatives. In June 2005, he attended the Rocks for AIDS fundraiser concert at in , , an event organized to support awareness and relief efforts through performances by cast members from the Australian Neighbours. In 2024, Stapleton joined Classroom of Hope as an ambassador, an organization dedicated to constructing sustainable, typhoon-resistant classrooms and providing educational resources for children in rural . His involvement includes promoting the charity's mission to empower underprivileged youth through quality education and . Stapleton contributed to the organization's inaugural Hope Gala in 2024, which raised $143,000 to fund the construction of a , highlighting his commitment to leveraging his public profile for global educational access.

Filmography

Film

  • Darkness Falls (2003) as Officer Matt Henry: In this American horror film directed by Jonathan Liebesman, Stapleton played a supporting role as a police officer investigating supernatural events in a small town.
  • The Condemned (2007) as Special Agent Wilkins: Stapleton appeared as a federal agent in Scott Wiper's action thriller starring Steve Austin, centered on a reality show featuring condemned criminals fighting for survival.
  • December Boys (2007) as Fearless: In Rod Hardy's coming-of-age drama starring , Stapleton portrayed a supporting character in the story of four orphans seeking during a summer holiday.
  • Animal Kingdom (2010) as Craig Cody: Stapleton portrayed the volatile middle brother in this Australian crime drama directed by , which premiered at the in the Dramatic Competition and won the Grand Jury Prize.
  • The Hunter (2011) as Doug: In this adaptation of Richard Flanagan's novel directed by Daniel Nettheim, Stapleton played a supporting role as a hostile logger in the Tasmanian wilderness.
  • Gangster Squad (2013) as Jack Whalen: Stapleton appeared as a member of the LAPD's elite unit combating Mickey Cohen's mob in Ruben Fleischer's period .
  • 300: Rise of an Empire (2014) as Themistokles: He led the cast as the Greek naval commander in Noam Murro's action sequel to , focusing on the .
  • Kill Me Three Times (2014) as Nathan Webb: In this thriller directed by Kriv Stenders, Stapleton played a hitman entangled in a web of deceit on the Australian coast.
  • Cut Snake (2014) as Pommie (James Mangan): Stapleton earned a nomination for at the 2016 Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards for his intense portrayal of a menacing ex-convict in ' psychological thriller.
  • Renegades (2017) as Lt. : He starred as a U.S. SEAL on a high-stakes mission in Steven Quale's about recovering lost in Bosnia.
  • Ride Like a Girl (2019) as Darren Weir: Stapleton depicted the horse trainer in ' biographical drama about jockey Michelle Payne's historic win.
  • A Sunburnt Christmas (2020) as Dingo: In this Australian holiday comedy directed by David Newman, he played a bank robber in a chaotic family heist scenario.
  • Runner (2026) as Josh: Stapleton is cast in Scott Waugh's upcoming action thriller starring , centered on a high-stakes organ transport mission in ; filming wrapped in 2025.

Television

Year(s)TitleRoleNotes
1994Baby Bath MassacreTV movie
1997Raw FMBucky
1997–1998Hamish2 episodes
1998Josh Hughes16 episodes
1998StingersMatt WilmottEpisode: "Undercover"
2002MDA2 episodes
2003–2005Justin DaviesMain role (seasons 3–4), 24 episodes
2007–2009SatisfactionJoshRecurring role, 13 episodes
2008RushYuri3 episodes
2008Canal RoadNic Zoric3 episodes
2008UnderbellyPat Barbaro
2009Carla Cametti PDMatt Brodie
2009Geoff KershawEpisode: "Guns"
2010LowdownOliver BarryEpisode: "Bonk Bonk, Gig Gig"
2011Underbelly Files: InfiltrationTV movie
2011–2015Strike BackSgt. Damien ScottMain role (seasons 2–5), 43 episodes
2015–2020BlindspotKurt WellerLead role, 100 episodes
2021FiresDoug
2022After the VerdictDanielMain role

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0822982/
  2. https://deadline.com/2022/03/sullivan-stapleton-blindspot-300-rise-of-an-empire-star-inks-with-verve-1234968352/
  3. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/sullivan-stapleton/bio/3000513131/
  4. https://karlkwin.wordpress.com/2015/10/09/after-26-years-in-the-business-sullivan-stapleton-is-an-overnight-sensation-at-last/
  5. https://www.tvinsider.com/people/sullivan-stapleton/
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0145662/
  7. https://www.fandango.com/people/sullivan-stapleton-640516/biography
  8. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0822982/awards/
  9. https://deadline.com/2014/03/meet-300-hero-sullivan-stapleton-is-he-hollywoods-next-leading-man-697551/
  10. https://www.etonline.com/blindspot-sullivan-stapleton-on-weller-facing-his-demons-and-final-season-goodbyes-exclusive-147925
  11. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0822982/bio/
  12. https://www.tribute.ca/people/biography/sullivan-stapleton/36158/
  13. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6176196/
  14. https://www.legit.ng/1237011-blindspot-sullivan-stapleton-bio-age-height-teeth-net-worth.html
  15. https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-secret-life-of-us/cast/1030103345/
  16. https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/satisfaction/cast/1060522686/
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  22. https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/sullivan-stapleton-makes-hollywood-breakthrough-20131016-2vls0.html
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1492179/
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  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1253863/
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2574576/awards/
  27. https://people.com/where-is-the-blindspot-cast-now-11792109
  28. https://deadline.com/2021/04/fires-cast-eliza-scanlen-sam-worthington-richard-roxburgh-tony-ayres-1234730683/
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14205498/characters/nm0822982
  30. https://www.smh.com.au/culture/tv-and-radio/the-pandemic-lockdown-gave-sullivan-stapleton-a-chance-to-lighten-up-20220801-p5b6as.html
  31. https://variety.com/2022/tv/asia/after-the-verdict-australian-crime-series-1235155904/
  32. https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/back-being-unemployed-blindspot-star-074811486.html
  33. https://dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/television/sullivan-stapletons-ambition-swear-more-often-and-show-his-ass-on-network-tv/news-story/6e0385b73afa10992484ab2abf6cdb3c
  34. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0822955/
  35. https://people.com/blindspot-star-sullivan-stapleton-sued-by-longtime-partner-alleged-domestic-abuse-11691745
  36. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14557007/sullivan-stapleton.html
  37. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/actors-sullivan-stapleton-and-carla-bonner-at-the-news-photo/53140706
  38. https://classroomofhope.org/celebrating-impact-hope-gala-2024/
  39. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0282209/
  40. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443473/
  41. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465436/
  42. https://bluetonguefilms.com/animal-kingdom
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