Luke Hemsworth, the eldest of the famous Hemsworth brothers, is making waves with his role in the new season of the crime comedy “Deadloch.” Despite having only a handful of scenes, Hemsworth’s involvement in the show represents a comedic ambition he’s harbored for over two decades. Speaking from his home in Byron Bay, Hemsworth recalls his early attempts to break into comedy, reaching out to show creator Kate McLennan when he was just 20 years old.
“I called Kate McLennan when I was maybe 20 years old at university,” Hemsworth shares, reflecting on his early career. “I wanted to do more comedy and [didn’t] know the first steps.” This was long before McLennan and her co-creator Kate McCartney became known for their work on “The Katering Show” and “Get Krackin.” At that time, Hemsworth was beginning his acting journey on “Neighbours,” while his younger brothers, Chris and Liam, were still in high school.
From Action to Comedy: A Hemsworth Transition
Although Hemsworth is known for his serious roles, such as Ashley Stubbs in “Westworld,” he embraces the comedic challenge in “Deadloch.” In the show’s second season, Hemsworth plays a celebrity crocodile wrangler, a character that allows him to explore a different facet of his acting skills.
“My mum was a feminist – we were brought up very hard in that sensibility,” Hemsworth says. “There’s a naughty glee being the guy who’s saying all this horrible stuff.” He draws inspiration from his childhood experiences in Arnhem Land and the Kimberley, where he encountered larger-than-life personalities.
“It’s pretty cool to be the funny guy,” Hemsworth remarks, highlighting his enjoyment in playing against type.
Family Ties and Professional Rivalries
Hemsworth’s comedic role in “Deadloch” also includes playful jabs at his brothers, particularly Chris. The show features a character, Jason Wade, who humorously mirrors aspects of Chris Hemsworth’s life, including a mock series reminiscent of Chris’s “Limitless.” Luke admits, “I can’t remember if we threw that in or the Kates wrote it but that’s definitely a dig at Chris.”
When asked about his brothers’ reactions to his jokes, Hemsworth quips, “They’re both pretty upset about anything I have to say about them. Neither one of them has any sense of humour,” he says with a cheeky grin.
On a more serious note, Hemsworth reflects on missing the opportunity to join his father and Chris in the National Geographic documentary “A Road Trip to Remember,” which touched on their father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. “I won’t talk about that, though,” he says, acknowledging the sensitivity of the topic.
Returning Home: The Appeal of Australian Productions
After spending years in the United States, Hemsworth appreciates the opportunity to work on Australian projects like “Deadloch.” He praises the show’s dark humor and the writing of the Kates, noting the unique cultural nuances that resonate with him.
“There’s something about working here that provides a level of ease for me as an actor. Americans and Australians, we speak the same language but culturally we’re quite different,” Hemsworth explains.
In addition to his acting pursuits, Hemsworth is an ambassador for Central Coast Studios, a planned $260 million film and TV production precinct in New South Wales. He hopes the studio will provide opportunities for young filmmakers and allow him to work closer to home.
The move represents a commitment to fostering local talent and expanding the Australian film industry. Hemsworth’s involvement underscores his desire to contribute to the creative landscape in his homeland while maintaining a balance between work and family life.
As Hemsworth continues to explore diverse roles and support local productions, his journey reflects a blend of personal ambition and familial dedication, offering a unique perspective on the evolving entertainment industry.
