Antony Starr has become a household name thanks to his chilling portrayal of Homelander in the hit series “The Boys.” This article delves into Starr’s career, his rise to fame, and recent developments in his professional and personal life.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Antony Starr‘s acting journey began in his home country of New Zealand. He first gained recognition for his dual role as twins Jethro and Van West in the popular TV series “Outrageous Fortune” (2005-2010). This performance earned him several awards, including the Air New Zealand Screen Award for Best Actor in 2007.
Starr’s talent didn’t go unnoticed, and he soon found himself in international productions. He played a small but memorable role in the 2005 film “The World’s Fastest Indian,” starring alongside Anthony Hopkins. Though they didn’t share dialogue on screen, Starr later revealed he learned a lot by observing Hopkins during filming.
Rise to Fame with “The Boys”
Starr’s career took a major turn when he landed the role of Homelander in Amazon Prime Video’s “The Boys” in 2019. His portrayal of the complex and terrifying superhero has earned him widespread acclaim and numerous award nominations.
Critics have praised Starr’s ability to create fear, excitement, and comedy with just a stare or a smile. His performance has been compared to other iconic TV villains, with some even campaigning for him to receive an Emmy Award.
Recent Projects and Achievements
In 2024, Starr continued to make waves in the entertainment industry. He presented an Emmy at the star-studded awards ceremony in Los Angeles, walking the red carpet with US TV host Sandra Vergara. This appearance sparked rumors about his personal life, though neither Starr nor Vergara have confirmed a relationship.
Starr’s work on “The Boys” has also continued to garner recognition. He won the Critics’ Choice Super Award for Best Actor in a Superhero Series and Best Villain in a Series in 2023. As of January 2025, he’s nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series for his role in “The Boys.”
Controversies and Allegations
Despite his professional success, Starr has faced some controversies. In March 2022, he was arrested in Alicante, Spain, for assaulting a 21-year-old chef. He received a 12-month suspended prison sentence and was fined €5,000 for the incident.
More recently, allegations have surfaced regarding Starr’s behavior on the set of “The Boys.” These claims suggest that Starr bullied co-star Dominique McElligott and acted inappropriately towards female staff members. However, it’s important to note that these allegations are currently unverified, and there are conflicting opinions about their validity.
Upcoming Projects
Starr’s career shows no signs of slowing down. He’s set to appear in the upcoming action-thriller “G20,” starring alongside Viola Davis. The film, directed by Patricia Riggen, is scheduled for release on April 10, 2025, on Prime Video.
In addition, Starr is expected to return for the final season of “The Boys.” Creator Eric Kripke has hinted at an explosive ending for the series, promising to “blow the doors off” in the final episodes.
Personal Life
Despite his high-profile career, Starr keeps his personal life relatively private. He’s known to be married to Lucy McLay, though details about their relationship are scarce. Starr is also a dog lover and has shared photos of his pet on social media.
In October 2024, Starr shared a photo on Instagram with his dog Oliver, whom he adopted and “gave the best life a dog could have.” This glimpse into his personal life shows a softer side to the actor known for playing such an intense character on screen.
Impact on Pop Culture
Starr’s portrayal of Homelander has had a significant impact on pop culture. The character has become a symbol of corrupted power and the dark side of superhero worship. Fans often debate what would happen if Homelander were to face off against other iconic superheroes like Superman.
This cultural impact was highlighted when Starr and Tyler Hoechlin, who plays Superman in “Superman & Lois,” crossed paths at an event. The encounter sparked excitement among fans, who saw it as a real-life meeting between two of the most powerful beings in their respective universes.
Starr’s Acting Style
Starr’s approach to acting, particularly in his role as Homelander, has been a topic of discussion among critics and fans alike. He’s known for his ability to convey complex emotions with subtle facial expressions and body language.
In interviews, Starr has revealed that he initially auditioned for the role of Homelander “almost out of anger,” with little to go on other than the concept of a “Bad Superman.” This raw emotion seems to have translated well into his portrayal of the character, adding layers of complexity to Homelander’s personality.
Future Prospects
As “The Boys” approaches its final season, many are wondering what’s next for Antony Starr. His performance as Homelander has undoubtedly opened doors in Hollywood, and it’s likely we’ll see him in more high-profile roles in the future.
Starr’s involvement in “G20” alongside Viola Davis suggests he’s already making moves to diversify his portfolio beyond the superhero genre. As he continues to take on new challenges, it will be interesting to see how he applies the skills and recognition he’s gained from “The Boys” to future projects.
Conclusion
Antony Starr’s journey from New Zealand television to Hollywood stardom is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor. While his role as Homelander in “The Boys” has defined his career in recent years, Starr’s body of work spans a wide range of characters and genres.
As he moves forward in his career, Starr faces both opportunities and challenges. The allegations about his on-set behavior, if proven true, could impact his future prospects. However, his undeniable talent and the critical acclaim he’s received suggest that Antony Starr will remain a significant presence in the entertainment industry for years to come.
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