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Elordi: From School Bullying to Hollywood Stardom
28 Feb
Summary
- Elordi faced school hostility for pursuing theatre, being called 'gay'.
- A debilitating injury at 16 ended his sports career, pushing him to act.
- He was homeless before landing the Euphoria role and global fame.

Jacob Elordi's journey to Hollywood stardom began in Brisbane, where he faced significant hostility at his all-boys Catholic school for pursuing theatre. He recounted being called 'gay' simply for participating in plays, finding it more socially acceptable to play rugby than to perform on stage.
Elordi learned to develop confidence and resilience against peer criticism. This ability later proved crucial for his portrayal of complex characters. He drew strength from spending weekends with girls' schools and engaging with romantic literature, challenging the rigid masculinity expected at his school.
A pivotal moment occurred at 16 when a debilitating back injury in 2013 shattered his promising sports career. This event marked a turning point, making acting his sole focus and professional option.
Despite facing numerous rejections, including being kicked out of drama school, Elordi persevered. He was homeless shortly before auditioning for the HBO series 'Euphoria,' a role that became a significant turning point.
His global fame escalated after starring in 'The Kissing Booth' on Netflix, leading to overwhelming attention. Elordi has openly discussed his struggles with the loss of anonymity and the intense public scrutiny, even considering stepping away from fame at one point.
Roles in 'Euphoria,' 'Priscilla,' and 'Saltburn' have cemented his status as a prominent actor. He continues to navigate the challenges of stardom, emphasizing his humanity amidst public attention.




