Xavier Molyneux
Xavier Molyneux | |
|---|---|
| Born | Australia |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2020–present |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)[1] |
Xavier Molyneux is an Australian actor and reality television star. He began his career securing roles in short films and in 2020, he was a contestant on the Australian reality television series Big Brother. In 2023, Molyneux secured the role of Young Micheal in the film Take My Hand. That year, he was cast in the regular role of Byron Stone in the soap opera Neighbours. He also appeared in other guest parts and worked as an event paramedic in-between roles.
Career
[edit]Molyneux had a job as a event paramedic in Sydney.[2][3] Molyneux is also a surfer.[4] Molyneux's first short film role was playing Jack Barnes in Aussie of the Year, which explores the life of a college graduate struggling to forge a career. Molyneux finished filming for the project in early 2020.[5][6] That year, Molyneux appeared in the twelfth series of the Australian reality television series series, Big Brother.[7] During his time in the show, the COVID-19 pandemic developed further and affected the show's production. The production was paused temporarily until a crew member tested negative for COVID. Molyneux and other housemates were allowed to speak with family, which was unusual because the show's premise forbids contestants to have outside contact.[7] On 5 July 2020, Molyneux became the twelfth housemate to become evicted from the series.[3] The series was pre-recorded and Molyneux revealed that, upon his departure from the house, he lost his job. Molyneux worked as an events paramedic and due to all events being cancelled during the pandemic, there was no work available. He spent this time processing his experiences during Big Brother and refurbished an RV.[3] Molyneux also did not receive as much airtime as other contestants, which he addressed on social media.[5] Molyneux did not disclose his acting career to producers and only billed himself as a paramedic. This led to online theories that producers limited his screen-time because of his profession.[5]
In 2021, Molyneux appeared in the film Love You Like That.[8] Molyneux continued to work as an event paramedic until December 2022 while he tried to secure more acting roles.[9] He later appeared in a short film titled Girl, playing the role of Ashton.[10] In 2023, Molyneux secured a role in the film Take My Hand, which finished filming in the first half of that year.[11] The film was released in 2024 and focuses on the true story of the film's writer and director John Raftopoulos, directly chronicling his marriage to Claire Jensz. Molyneux appeared alongside Meg Fraser and they play younger versions of the film's two main characters.[12] When Molyneux began filming it was one of his first roles. He later recalled his feelings, explaining, "I've only really been an actor since the start of this film. So a lot of impostor syndrome and, you know, very nervous, but excited."[12]
In 2022, Molyneux auditioned for the role of Byron Stone in the soap opera Neighbours. He was unsuccessful and Joe Klocek took on the role. In 2023, Molyneux was travelling in Canada when his agent informed him that the role was being recast and he could have an audition with casting director, Thea McLeod. He travelled back to Australia and was this time successful.[13] In May 2023, Molyneux was seen working on the set of Neighbours.[14] In July, it was confirmed that he had joined the show's regular cast, playing Byron.[15] A Neighbours publicist wrote about the production's excitement about Molyneux's casting. They added "Byron will be thrust into the heart of the Ramsay Street drama when Neighbours returns this September."[15] Molyneux later revealed that he cried upon receiving the role because he "loved" the show.[13] In the show, Bryon is the son of long-term character Jane Harris, played by Annie Jones, with whom Molyneux filmed his first scenes with, who he called "fantastic" and supported him on-set[16] In 2024, Molyneux discussed that writers planned to give his character more "raunchy" storylines. He added he was "excited" for Byron's new story to be broadcast, adding "there was a lot of effort put in behind it."[17] That same year, Molyneux appeared in the series drama series Last Days of the Space Age.[18]
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Love You Like That | Shane | Film role |
| 2022 | Girl | Ashton Morrison | Short film |
| 2023-2025 | Neighbours | Byron Stone | Regular role |
| 2024 | Take My Hand | Young Michael | Film role |
| 2024 | Last Days of the Space Age | Surfer Dude 2 | Guest role |
| TBA | Aussie of the Year | Jack Barnes | Short film |
References
[edit]- ^ "Xavier Molyneux". StarNow. Retrieved 15 March 2025.
- ^ "Big Brother Australia's Xavier Molyneux reveals the housemate 'tantrum' that never aired". New Idea. 6 July 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2025.
- ^ a b c Hoffmann, Lily (6 July 2020). "Shock as Xavier booted from Big Brother house". The West Australian. Retrieved 15 March 2025.
- ^ Anabel, Anita (20 June 2020). "He May Not Be Getting Much Screen Time But BB's Xavier is One to Watch". The Latch. Retrieved 15 March 2025.
- ^ a b c Hockey, Maddison (17 June 2020). "The wild conspiracy theory about Big Brother's Xavier Molyneux". New Idea. Retrieved 15 March 2025.
- ^ "Big Brother housemates Talia and Xavier revealed as actors". Who. 10 June 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2025.
- ^ a b Goodall, Hamish (5 July 2020). "Big Brother's Xavier spills about cheeky phone call to girlfriend". 7NEWS. Archived from the original on 22 March 2025. Retrieved 15 March 2025.
- ^ "Love You Like That". Prime Video. Retrieved 15 March 2025.
- ^ "Xavier Molyneux Byron Stone Neighbours". Inside Soap. No. 2. (Hearst Magazines UK). 13–19 January 2024. p. 48.
- ^ @xavier.molyneux (3 February 2022). "I had a little to much fun filming with some of the most passionate, easy going and talented people i now call friends, oh and @scarlethunter was cool too, on GiRL - @girl_shortfilm . Fast cars, bubble gums and red heads . @suzanne.was.here @ufilmsmedia comin soon…". Retrieved 15 March 2025 – via Instagram.
- ^ Slatter, Sean (27 May 2024). "Bronte Pictures partners with MS Australia for 'Take My Hand' trailer launch". IF Magazine. Archived from the original on 19 June 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2025.
- ^ a b Paige, Evelyn (22 August 2024). ""Take My Hand" Stars Meg Fraser and Xavier Molyneux Dish on Love, Horses, and the Magic of True Stories". Happy Mag. Archived from the original on 16 January 2025. Retrieved 15 March 2025.
- ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel; Ellis, Sarah (1 September 2023). "Neighbours star Xavier Molyneux shares secret about Byron recasting". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 16 November 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2025.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (12 May 2023). "Neighbours casts Big Brother Australia star for new season". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 28 September 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2025.
- ^ a b Lewis, George (15 July 2023). "Neighbours announces recast for Byron Stone in new season". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 28 September 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2025.
- ^ Ellis, Sarah (16–22 September 2023). "Welcome to the house of fun!". Inside Soap. No. 37. p. 14.
- ^ Thomas, Tia (11 September 2024). "Neighbours star Xavier Molyneux teases new "raunchy" storylines". Now to Love. Retrieved 15 March 2025.
- ^ Executive Producer: David Chidlow; Director: Bharat Nalluri; Writer: David Chidlow (2 October 2024). "Only Kids Dream About Being Spacemen". Last Days of the Space Age. Disney+.