How Michael Theo’s Real Life Inspired His Role in ‘Austin’

In partnership with the JMC Academy

When Darren Ashton first saw Michael Theo on ‘Love on the Spectrum’, he knew he had the ‘it factor’. “He just had a big charismatic presence, that’s the whole point,” Darren told host Poppy Reid on the Variety Australia podcast, recorded on the JMC Academy campus in Sydney by their creative students.

It wasn’t long before Darren approached Theo about a project of his own, an eight-part Australian-British comedy-drama series on ABC iView called “Austin”, which premiered on June 9 to rave reviews and is loosely based on Theo’s personality.

“I showed (co-creator Ben Miller) this opening sequence (of “Love on the Spectrum”) and I asked him what you thought about the idea of ​​a young neurodivergent man knocking on your door and saying, ‘I’m your son from an affair you had with my mother 28 years ago’?” Darren says. “That (opening) segment, and of course Michael throughout the first season, really inspired the show.”

Recorded by JMC Academy students Audio engineering And Film and televisionThe podcast delves into the making of “Austin” and has created a hands-on learning opportunity for emerging creatives at JMC’s Sydney campus.

In the series, Michael plays the unlikely son who emerges from the woodwork after his father Julian Hartswood (played by Ben Miller) is “cancelled” online. What follows is a heartwarming exploration of family and identity, through the lens of neurodiversity.

For Michael, taking on the role was both a career highlight and a personal triumph. “(Darren) surprised me by offering me an acting role that I wasn’t expecting,” he says in the podcast episode. “I saw it as a chance to refocus on acting (because) it’s one of my biggest passions.”

Michael’s journey from a fan of children’s animated films to the lead actor in a groundbreaking Australian series encapsulates the unpredictable nature of creative careers.

Throughout the episode, the director and actor discuss the nuanced portrayal of Austin’s character, emphasizing their commitment to a representation of neurodiversity that avoids clichés and stereotypes. This thoughtful approach was deeply influenced by Michael’s own experiences and his relationship with his family.

In fact, the character of Austin’s mother (played by Gia Carides) is loosely based on Michael’s real-life mother. “I did a screen test last September and it started to dawn on me that Gia would probably be the one to play the part,” Michael says. “Because when I was screen testing with her, it was like talking to my mom.”

For Darren, it was important to honor Michael about certain decisions, like casting his mother on screen. “The idea of ​​representing neurodiversity and a neurodivergent character, it’s a responsibility,” he says. “But I always trust my instincts and what’s important to a story on a human level.”

One of the unique features of the series is its lack of comedy at the expense of another person, as well as the absence of swearing and blasphemy.

This decision was largely driven by Darren’s health issues during the creation of the series and his desire to create something positive. “I had cancer during the period after I first came up with the idea, and then throughout the whole process,” he explains.

“I’m reevaluating my life and thinking, what do I want to leave as my epitaph? A sarcastic comedy about a family or a nice, warm comedy that makes people feel a little better about the world they live in.”

In front of a student audience, Darren and Michael discuss everything from the logistical challenges of filming abroad to the acting tips Michael has learned from his castmates to their advice for the next generation of aspiring actors. “Keep going and find yourself a mentor in the industry. Someone who will point you in the right direction, like Darren did with me,” Michael tells the students.

It turns out that Darren is still planning three-season shows. “We’ve thought about season two[of Austin]. I mean, I’m always thinking about three-season shows, so if we get to season four, I’m in trouble,” he jokes. Luckily for viewers everywhere, we’ll probably see the magic of this collaboration on screen again soon.

Want to find out more? Listen to the full episode with Darren Asthon and Michael Theo or discover the wide range of study opportunities designed to kick-start your career in the entertainment industry at JMC AcademyThe JMC Academy September intake is the perfect opportunity for mature creatives to get a head start on the creative course they’ve always wanted to study. Apply Now to learn more about JMC’s flexible study options and your future creative career opportunities.

Stream the Variety Australia podcast below or wherever you get your podcasts.