Australian actor Murray Bartlett has long mesmerised audiences with his nuanced performances, most recently appearing in HBO’s new drama series ‘The Last of Us.’ His portrayal has won him praise from both long-term fans of videogame and newcomers to its story alike – here we take a look at his career, personal life and role on “The Last of Us”.
Early Life and Education
Who is Murray Bartlett?
Murray Bartlett was born in Sydney, New South Wales; at four years of age however, his family moved across Australia to Perth. There arose his passion for performing arts which ultimately lead him to study acting at John Curtin College of the Arts Fremantle where he completed their drama program with flying colours before traveling back home again; later enrolling at NIDA (National Institute for Dramatic Art).
A Breakthrough in Television
Murray Bartlett’s Rise to Fame
Bartlett had his breakthrough role as Oliver Spencer, a gay shoe distributor in “Sex and the City.” It marked one of his many groundbreaking performances as one of few actors willing to reveal his sexual orientation early in their careers.
His career took another leap in 2014 with his portrayal of Dominic “Dom” Basaluzzo in HBO’s “Looking.” This was followed by memorable roles in Netflix’s “Tales of the City” and HBO’s “The White Lotus,” the latter of which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.
Diving into The Last of Us
Exploring New Terrain with HBO
“The Last of Us” is HBO’s new drama series and an adaptation of an award-winning novel set in a post-apocalyptic United States devastated by global fungal disease. Bartlett makes an unexpected yet heart-wrenching cameo appearance as part of an unexpected love story in episode three, creating quite an impactful comeback appearance and surprise appearance as part of episode five’s plotline.
The episode pulls away from the central characters, focusing on the relationship between Bill and Frank. The raw emotion and somber storyline left fans in tears and served as a reminder of Bartlett’s incredible range as an actor.
Personal Life
Coming Out and Relationship Status
Murray Bartlett came out early in his career. In an interview with GQ magazine in 2021, he stressed the importance of being true to oneself. Although openness about his sexuality could have hindered his career prospects, Bartlett found support from close relationships within his network of friends.
When it comes to his dating life, Murray Bartlett is intensely private. However, it is known that he is in a relationship with a man named Matt. In his acceptance speech at the Primetime Emmy Awards, Bartlett mentioned Matt as his “haven.”
Murray Bartlett’s Continued Legacy
An Actor and an Inspiration
Murray Bartlett continues to make waves in the entertainment world from his groundbreaking role on “Sex and the City,” Emmy Award-winning performance in “The White Lotus,” to most recently appearing as an inspiration in “The Last of Us”. Not just an actor, his talent shows through in the characters he portrays – making an impactful statement about LGBTQ+ identity!
As fans, we eagerly await what’s next in Murray Bartlett’s illustrious career.
Venturing Beyond Television
Exploring Diverse Mediums
Murray Bartlett’s career isn’t just limited to television; he’s also been part of other projects, such as the Hulu miniseries “Welcome to Chippendales” and the Apple TV+ series “Physical.” His varied choices in roles display his versatility as an actor and his commitment to challenging himself.
Moreover, Bartlett has a history in theatre. In 2006, he toured with Hugh Jackman and the Australian touring company for Jackman’s Broadway hit “The Boy From Oz.” His theatre background contributes to the depth and authenticity he brings to his on-screen characters.
Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community
A Role Model for Many
Murray Bartlett’s decision to come out early in his career, at a time when it was less common for actors to do so, made him a trailblazer. His performances as actors of gay characters with depth and realism has had an undeniable effect on media representation of LGBTQ individuals.
Through his openness as an LGBT+ man and taking roles that resonate with his community, Bartlett has transcended mere acting; he’s become an icon for progress and representation. Acknowledging his partner Matt during his Emmy acceptance speech cemented this position further as a role model.
Future Endeavors
What’s Next for Murray Bartlett?
As Murray Bartlett continues to evolve in his career, fans eagerly anticipate what new projects he may take on. Whether he continues to charm viewers in TV dramas or decides to explore different avenues such as film or returning to the theatre, his talent and commitment are undeniable.
Additionally, as an influential figure in the LGBTQ+ community, he has the potential to utilize his platform for advocacy and positive change.
Conclusion
Murray Bartlett has established himself in Hollywood with an exceptional career path. From Australian soap operas, award-winning performances in “The White Lotus”, and his most recent role as Jake in “The Last of Us”, Murray continues to impress audiences with his versatility and dedication as an actor and LGBTQ+ advocate on-screen. Murray stands out as an outstanding figure within Hollywood owing to both these achievements. As his career progresses, Bartlett’s impact on both the industry and society at large is expected to grow even further.
