Ewen Leslie

Ewen Leslie is an Australian actor celebrated for his versatile stage and screen work, known for a career that began in childhood and has spanned over three decades. From his first televised role in the children's series Ship to Shore at age twelve to his acclaimed performances in both classic theatre and contemporary film, Leslie has consistently demonstrated a commitment to craft that has earned him critical praise and numerous awards. Growing up in Fremantle, Western Australia, he entered school plays at ten and secured a scholarship to John Curtin College of the Arts, where he shared classrooms with future star Sam Worthington. After missing an audition for NIDA, he graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 2000 and moved to Sydney, balancing bar work at the Old Fitzroy Hotel with early stage roles at Belvoir Theatre. His breakthrough on stage came with a small part in the 2007 production of Paul, which led to a string of high‑profile roles, including Prince Hal in The War of the Roses opposite Cate Blanchett—a performance that won him a Helpmann Award and a Sydney Theatre Award. Subsequent triumphs include award‑winning turns as Richard III for the Melbourne Theatre Company, Hamlet in both Melbourne and Sydney, and leading roles in The Wild Duck and Ivanov under celebrated directors such as Simon Stone and Benedict Andrews. On screen, Leslie captured international attention with the lead in the Cannes‑selected film Jewboy (2005) and has since starred in a range of acclaimed films, from Dead Europe and The Daughter to the gritty historical dramas Sweet Country and The Nightingale. His television work includes standout performances in Top of the Lake, which earned him an AACTA Award, as well as notable roles in The Luminaries, The Gloaming, and the recent series Exposure and Prosper. Beyond acting, he contributes voice‑over talent for major brands and collaborates creatively with his long‑time partner, producer Nicole O'Donohue, with whom he raises two children.