Jacob Elordi's Acting Journey Began with a Painful Twist of Fate

Australian actor Jacob Elordi, the 28-year-old talent behind unforgettable roles in 'The Kissing Booth,' 'Euphoria,' and 'Frankenstein,' recently shared a candid look at how a devastating rugby injury at age 16 changed his life forever. After what appeared to be a severe setback, he decided to pursue a career in the performing arts, which ultimately brought him international fame. Elordi's career is both inspirational and surprising, starting with his early love of rugby and school theater and ending with a hard-won Hollywood breakthrough and critically praised film work. 

From Rugby Fields to Acting Dreams: Early Life and the Fateful Injury

Born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, on 26th June, 1997, Jacob Elordi developed an early interest in acting along with a keen interest in sports, particularly rugby. Even though he started acting in school plays like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Seussical when he was younger, sports first shaped a large portion of his adolescent life. However, when he was 16, a serious back injury changed everything. 

Image Courtesy: The Courier Mail 

While lifting weights, Elordi fractured a bone in his back and soon after suffered a worsened injury during a heavy rugby tackle—an experience that forced him off the field and out of the sport he loved.

As luck would have it, he was also rehearsing for a school play at the same time, and falling into the theatre world began to feel more natural than ever before. That painful injury and the realization that he couldn't comfortably juggle acting and rugby turned into a pivotal moment that compelled him to make a distinct choice and devote himself entirely to performance.

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Image Courtesy: The Courier Mail 

Breaking Through in Hollywood: Struggles, Roles, and Success

Elordi's career took off after he decided to pursue acting, but it wasn't without difficulty. He fought hard to get into Hollywood after relocating to Los Angeles in his early 20s, often sleeping in his car and on friends' couches while he chased opportunities and auditions. After making his on-screen debut as an extra in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales' (2017), he was given his first credit in the Australian movie 'Swinging Safari' (2018). 

Image Courtesy: ScreenRant

However, it was Netflix's 2018 film 'The Kissing Booth,' in which he portrayed the endearing Noah Flynn, that instantly brought him millions of new fans and admirers. Elordi's portrayal of Nate Jacobs in HBO's 'Euphoria,' a dark and nuanced character that signalled a drastic departure from juvenile rom-com success and solidified his image as a serious actor, and won him critical praise after that breakthrough.

With notable roles in movies like Sofia Coppola's 'Priscilla' (2023) and Emerald Fennell's 'Saltburn' (2023), the latter of which earned him a BAFTA nomination, his career has only expanded since then. In 2025, he took on a radically different role as Frankenstein's creature in Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein,' committing to deep physical and emotional transformation that pushed his craft to new limits.

Image Courtesy: Digital Spy

Life After the Injury: Continued Growth and New Challenges

Elordi's trajectory shows that what first looked like a setback ultimately became the foundation of a flourishing career. Acting became his lifelong interest instead of professional sports, to the point where he later thought about how hurting his back led him to the right place.

Elordi continues to explore an array of demanding roles, including upcoming films like 'Wuthering Heights' and 'The Dog Stars,' in addition to 'Frankenstein,' which proved his versatility even more and won him plaudits from the industry. 

Image Courtesy: Forbes

Despite the pressures and physical demands of Hollywood, he often speaks about growth, resilience, and embracing change. His story, from the rugby pitch to film premieres and award buzz, stands as proof that sometimes life's most painful moments can lead to our greatest opportunities. 

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