He may have got his start on reality TV, but Michael Theo’s acting career is now thriving

November 8, 2026 — 5:30am

The acting career Michael Theo manifested before our eyes on Love on the Spectrum has – to reference the favourite pastime of the charming breakout star of that dating show – taken off like a runaway train.

Having been talent-scouted by Death in Paradise actor Ben Miller, who co-created the lead role for Theo in the ABC comedy-drama, Austin, Theo has wrapped the third season of the British-Australian series, appeared earlier this year in ABC Family’s mystery series, Caper Crew, completed voice work on the Shaun Tan adaptation, Tales from Outer Suburbia, and has been filming the forthcoming ABC series, Rural Crime Unit, in Adelaide.

“It’s a great experience. I’m loving it,” says Theo. “The character I’m playing in Rural Crime Unit, I don’t think he is on the spectrum. I think he might be neurotypical.”

While Theo is relishing playing against type, Austin Hogan, the railway-obsessed forklift driver who discovers the UK branch of his family when he meets his biological father, Julian Hartswood (Miller), will always hold a special place in his heart.

“Working with Ben is a joy and a pleasure, but also the entire cast [which includes Sally Phillips, Gia Carides, Roy Billing, Stephen Curry, and new addition Justine Clarke]. I call them my screen family. I love them to the point that I’m actually terrified of losing them.”

This season, he says, holds “a lot of blessings”. There’s a wedding, a funeral, and a new chapter for Austin to navigate with his girlfriend, fellow Whovian Hayley (Natalie Abbott).

“The relationship between our characters on screen reflects that of us off-screen,” says Theo. “I consider Natalie one of my dearest friends. She’s someone I love working with. During season three, we have an intimacy co-ordinator. That suited me really well because if there were any kissing scenes, I wanted her to be absolutely comfortable.”

Austin is a fictionalised version of Theo, whom the actor had a consulting role in creating.

“We both carry ourselves in a certain way. We speak formally,” says Theo. “But Austin takes a lot of things literally, more so than I do. And sometimes his ways are a little misguided, whereas I follow guidance from my family and friends. Also, we have very big hearts. We care about what’s important … Austin is also uncomfortable with physical touch, whereas I give hugs a lot. That’s part of my nature because I was raised in a Mediterranean household.”

Unlike Austin, Theo is not a fan of Doctor Who. He watches Thomas the Tank Engine on repeat.

“I consider steam locomotives one of the most fascinating things ever created by mankind,” he says. “When I was a child, [animation] is what I was drawn to the most. Animation is healthier for the mind. I consider animation a sacred art form. And in supplying your voice to an animated character, that piece of work will outlive you even long after you’re gone. Maybe some people believe that animation is just for children, but I disagree with that.”

Theo is currently single, having recently emerged from an 18-month relationship. He did not find love on reality TV, and wouldn’t recommend that process to everyone.

“My best advice is, just give it a go,” he says. “But people need to remember that romantic love is a treasure. And if anyone violates it, or disrespects it, or betrays it, there’s a chance you might not be able to get it back. You must always cherish your partner and treat her like gold. It’s not easy being in a relationship. It takes work. I know.”

That sentiment is reflected through Austin’s emotional journey, which Theo hopes helps viewers to understand more about people living with autism. “People who are neurodiverse don’t want or need special treatment. We just want to be loved and accepted, like everybody else. Neurodiverse people are just as capable of navigating life as well as anyone else … It’s just a matter of finding your crowd.”

Austin returns at 9pm on Wednesday, November 11, on the ABC and ABC iview.

Want more TV? We’ve got you.

• Newsletter: Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday.
• November streaming picks: A guide to the best new shows this month.
• Hamish Blake: The beloved but “useless” comedian takes us inside his new series.
• The year’s best rom com? Why this episode of Nobody Wants This really stands out.
• The One About Matthew Perry review: This celebrity doco plays it far too safe.
• First Bluey, now Allen? The studio behind Bluey has made its first feature film.
• Watch (below): Deputy TV editor Meg Watson recommends the best new shows to start this week.

Bridget McManus is a television writer and critic for Green Guide. She was deputy editor of Green Guide from 2006 to 2010 and now also writes features and interviews for Life & Style in The Saturday Age and M magazine in The Sunday Age.

From our partners