T. J. Power

T.J. Power
Born
Sydney, New South Wales
EducationGalston High School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
OccupationsActor, writer, director
Years active2008–present
Notable workOffspring
SpouseKathryn Sgroi
Children2

T.J. Power is an Australian actor, writer and director, known for his role as Will in Offspring.[1]

Early life and education

Power was born in Sydney, New South Wales,[1] to Gerard (a financial planner) and Jayne Power (a relief schoolteacher); the youngest of three children, including Kristy and Tanya. The family lived in Arcadia, in Sydney's north-west and spent Christmas holidays with Power's paternal grandparents on a farm in Gundagai.[2]

Awww a child, Power played competitive sports, until he was gifted a guitar as a gift, after which he turned his attention to the performing arts.[3]

Power attended high school at Galston High School,[2] where he was in the school band, had his own rock band, participated in school plays and musicals and studied drama as an HSC subject.[4] Power landed his first acting job around the age of 15, with a training video for a fast-food chain. His mother drove him to acting classes twice a week.[2]

Power's mother died of cancer, at age 49, when he was age 17 and in his final year of high school. His father remarried Jayne's friend Pauline, who had four kids of her own.[2]

Power went on to study acting at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in Perth, graduating in 2008.[2][4]

Career

Power made his acting debut as Demetrius in A Midsummer Night's Dream for Shakespeare WA, receiving an Equity Guild Awards nomination for Best Newcomer.[4]

In 2009, Power recorded a solo EP, "New Wheel",[2] before landing his first feature film with 2010 Australian drama Wasted on the Young and appearing in 2011 crime series Underbelly: Razor.[4] He then landed the role of Javier Bardem’s son in American film Eat Pray Love, alongside Julia Roberts.[4][3]

Power went on to appeared in 2012 musical comedy film The Sapphires (2012) opposite Deborah Mailman and Jessica Mauboy.[5] That same year, he released an EP, "Traveller", with The Art of Grace (named for his Grandparents Art and Grace), a band he formed with wife Kathryn and two other members, including Mitch Bruzzese, who he used to play together in a high school rock band.[6]

In 2014, Power starred as Sam in ensemble sex comedy film The Little Death,[7] which saw him nominated for the 2014 AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance.[8] That same year, he appeared in 2014 biographical TV movie Parer's War about war photographer Damien Parer.[4]

Power came to further attention when he joined the cast of Network 10 comedy-drama series Offspring in 2016, alongside Kat Stewart and Asher Keddie, starring as the Proudman family’s surprise half-brother, lawyer Will Bowen.[1][2] He played Robbie Weekes in 2016 biographical miniseries Molly about Australian music critic and journalist Molly Meldrum, opposite Samuel Johnson.[4][9] He also played Sam in 2016 sci-fi thriller OtherLife, opposite Jessica De Gouw – his second film for filmmaker Ben C. Lucas, following Wasted on the Young.[10] The following year, he appeared in US feature Halfway and 2017 Australian sci-fi thriller film OtherLife.[4]

After moving to the United States, Power landed roles in CBS’s Criminal Minds, HBO’s Insecure and ABC’s Grey's Anatomy and voiced characters for animated series for Disney, Apple TV+ and YouTube.[11]

Power discovered a passion for directing when, backstage at a theatre show, he made two improvised mockumentaries of an actor preparing for his role.[12] This lead to his professional directorial debut in 2017 with the comedy short Your Call is Important to Us, starring Andy Lee, which debuted at Australian film festival Flickerfest. It subsequently featured in several international festivals, winning numerous Best Film, Best Comedy, Best Director, Best Screenplay & Audience Choice awards.[12][13] He followed this up with his short film, The Bus to Birra Birra, which won several awards including four at Film Invasion Los Angeles in 2020.[11][14][15] He also directed numerous episodes of children's television series and music videos, including YouTube series Blippi & Meekah Adventures and the pilot of CocoMelon Classroom.[11]

Power had a role in 2021 romantic comedy Resort to Love with Christina Milian,[16] before appearing in 2024 American drama film The Neon Highway with Beau Bridges.[17]

Personal life

Power met his wife, theatre producer Kathryn Sgroi, while studying at WAAPA. They started dating in 2007 and were married in December 2014, beside a river in Leeton, in New South Wales.[1][2] The couple relocated to Los Angeles in 2014, with their two children.[11][1][2]

Filmography

Film

As actor

Year Title Role Notes Ref
2008IrisCharlieShort film
2009Hidden CloudsMarkShort film
2010Wasted on the YoungBrook[18]
Eat Pray LoveLeon[3]
VulnerableCraig
2011PepperoniSkirtsShort film
The Only Damage (aka The One Who Broke Your Heart)RockShort film
The Last MatchJohnnyShort film
2012The SapphiresLt. Jensen[5]
2014The Little DeathSam[7]
2016HalfwayJosh[19]
2017Think FastDanShort film
OtherLifeSam[10]
2019Loves Me, Loves Me NotFinn[20]
2020Donor BabyBryanShort film
2021Resort to LoveBarrington[16]
2024The Neon HighwayLloyd Collins[17]
2026AllenPetey

As director / writer

Year Title Role Notes Ref
2017Your Call Is Important to UsDirector / writer / producer / executive producerShort film[13]
2020The Bus to Birra BirraDirector / writer / producerShort film[11][14]

Television

As actor

Year Title Role Notes Ref
2011Underbelly: RazorH.L. Jones6 episodes[21]
2014Parer's WarLieutenant Johnny LewinTV film[22]
Checked OutAndyTV film
2016MollyRobbie WeekesMiniseries; 2 episodes[9]
2016–2017OffspringWill Bowen20 episodes[2]
2017Major CrimesCliff RainierEpisode: "Intersection"
2017, 2018True Story with Hamish & AndyWine guy 1 / Robbo2 episodes[23]
2020Criminal MindsParrisEpisode: "Family Tree"
2021InsecureSeth2 episodes
2023Grey's AnatomySethEpisode: "Cowgirls Don't Cry"
2024WondLaFiscian (voice)Animated series, 2 episodes[24]
2024–2025VeeFriendsDynamic Dino (voice)Animated series, 8 episodes
2025Hal & HarperAdamMiniseries, 1 episode

As writer / director

Year Title Role Notes Ref
2020; 2021Discover Indie FilmDirector / writer2 episodes
2021Discover Indie FilmProducer1 episode
2022–2025Blippi & Meekah AdventuresDirectorWeb series, 27 episodes[11][15]
2023–2024MeekahDirector7 episodes
2024CocoMelon ClassroomDirectorWeb series[11]

Theatre

Year Title Role Notes Ref
2007The Cherry OrchardLoparkinWAAPA[25]
AftershocksJohnWAAPA, Perth[25]
2008CloudstreetFish LambWAAPA, Perth[25]
The Innocent MistressSir Francis WildloveWAAPA, Perth[25]
Noises OffFredrick FellowsWAAPA, Perth[25]
2009A Midsummer Night's DreamDemetriusShakespeare WA, Perth[25]
The SpookMartinLogos Productions[25]
2010MacquarieFrancis GreenwayRiverside Theatres[25]
As You Like ItGuitarist & BalladeerCleveland ST Theatre / Shakespeare Centre, Sydney[25][26]
2011K.I.J.E.IrvingOld Fitz Theatre, Sydney with Tamarama Rock Surfers[25][26]
Summer of the Seventeenth DollJohnnie DowdBelvoir St Theatre, Sydney, Arts Centre Melbourne with Company B[25][26][27][28][29]
2012Les Liaisons DangereusesAzolanWharf Theatre, Sydney with STC[25][26]
2016Ruben GuthrieRuben GuthrieAustralian Theatre Company[25]
2019Banging DenmarkJake Newhouse / Gut DeWittSydney Opera House with STC[25][30]

Music

Release Title Artist Type Ref
2009"New Wheel"TJ PowerEP[2]
2012"Traveller"The Art of GraceEP[6]

Awards

Year Work Award Category Result Ref
TJ PowerWAAPANigel Rideout Award for Most Exceptional Development in TrainingWon[25]
2008A Midsummer Night's DreamBest NewcomerWA Equity Guild AwardsNominated[4][25]
2009TJ PowerAustralians in FilmAIF Heath Ledger ScholarshipFinalist[25]
Charlie (short film)West Australian Screen AwardsBest ActorNominated[4][25]
Wasted on the YoungSydney Film FestivalHonourable mention[4]
2014The Little DeathAACTA AwardsBest Actor in a Supporting RoleNominated[8]
2018Your Call Is Important To UsWest End Film FestivalBest FilmWon[15]
Your Call Is Important To UsCanberra International Film FestivalBest ComedyWon[15]
Your Call Is Important To UsSherman Oaks Film FestivalBest Director – Short FilmWon[15][31]
Your Call Is Important To UsSherman Oaks Film FestivalBest Short FilmWon[31]
Your Call Is Important To UsSherman Oaks Film FestivalOutstanding Screenplay – Short FilmWon[31]
Your Call Is Important To UsHeart of Gold International Short Film FestivalBest ScriptWon
Your Call Is Important To UsHeart of Gold International Short Film FestivalScreener's ChoiceWon
Your Call Is Important To UsHeart of Gold International Short Film FestivalBest Australian FilmNominated
Your Call Is Important To UsPrescott Film FestivalJury Prize – Best Narrative ShortNominated
Your Call Is Important To UsSan Diego International Film FestivalAudience Award – Best Short FilmWon[15]
Your Call Is Important To UsFlickerfestBest Australian Short FilmNominated[32]
Your Call Is Important To UsThe Reelgood Film FestivalBest FilmNominated
2020The Bus to Birra BirraFilm Invasion LABest Short Film – DramaWon[14][15]
The Bus to Birra BirraFilm Invasion LABest Director – Short FilmWon[14][15]
The Bus to Birra BirraFilm Invasion LAOutstanding ScreenplayWon[14]
The Bus to Birra BirraGold Coast Film Festival Screen Industry Gala AwardsPeople's Choice AwardWon[15][33]
The Bus to Birra BirraSanta Monica International Film FestivalOutstanding ScreenplayHonourable Mention[15]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Molloy, Shannon (9 July 2016), "Offspring: TJ Power proud to be chased by fans as much-loved show's newest star", The Sunday Telegraph
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Offspring's T.J Power: How losing my mother as a teenager changed me". The Sydney Morning Herald. 23 June 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 "TJ Powers On". aussietheatre.com.au. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "TJ Power | Bio and interview", careertalkaus.com, 3 December 2014, retrieved 8 August 2026
  5. 1 2 Lodge, Guy (20 May 2012). "The Sapphires". Variety. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  6. 1 2 James, Erin (14 June 2012), "Talent galore: TJ and Kathryn make the most of it", aussietheatre.com.au, retrieved 8 August 2026
  7. 1 2 Chang, Justin (11 September 2014). "Toronto Film Review: 'The Little Death'". Variety. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  8. 1 2 "4th AACTA Awards: full list of nominees", The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 December 2014
  9. 1 2 "Molly – Full Cast & Crew". TV Guide. Retrieved 9 August 2026.
  10. 1 2 Windsor, Harry (20 June 2017). "'OtherLife': Film Review | Sydney 2017". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "TJ Power", blcklst.com, retrieved 8 August 2026
  12. 1 2 "10. TJ POWER: TRUSTING YOUR HODS", alkeentertainment.com, retrieved 8 August 2026
  13. 1 2 "Your Call Is Important to Us". Screen Australia. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 "164. TJ Power "The Bus to Birra Birra"". discoverindiefilm.com. 6 August 2021. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "TJ Power". mollisonkeightley.com. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
  16. 1 2 Kennedy, Lisa (29 July 2021). "'Resort to Love' Review: A Tricky Love Triangle Draws Lines in the Sand in Netflix Rom-Com". Variety. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  17. 1 2 Thompson, Jaden (5 February 2024). "'The Neon Highway,' Starring Beau Bridges as Country Music Star, Sets March Release Date". Variety. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  18. ↑ Honeycutt, Kirk (14 October 2010). "Wasted on the Young — Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  19. ↑ "'The Blind Side's' Quinton Aaron to Star in, Executive Produce Drama 'Halfway'". TheWrap. 3 October 2014. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
  20. ↑ "Loves Me, Loves Me Not – Full Cast & Crew". TV Guide. Retrieved 9 August 2026.
  21. ↑ "Underbelly – Razor: episode guide | Series 4". australiantelevision.net. Retrieved 9 August 2026.
  22. ↑ Yeap, Sue (5 July 2016). "Offspring sibling joins Proudman clan". The West Australian. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  23. ↑ Rigden, Clare (15 March 2018). "A big name Game of Thrones star will soon co-star alongside Hamish and Andy on True Story". Who. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  24. ↑ Singh, Sunanda (20 November 2025). "WondLa Season 3 On OTT: Here's To Know Everything About The Fantasy Animated Series". freepressjournal.in. Retrieved 9 August 2026.
  25. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 "TJ Power". Showcast. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
  26. 1 2 3 4 "TJ Power". AusStage. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
  27. ↑ "Summer of the Seventeenth Doll". mtc.com.au. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
  28. ↑ "Summer of the Seventeenth Doll". belvoir.com.au. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
  29. ↑ Gill, Raymond (14 January 2012). "Lament on lost youth lives on". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
  30. ↑ Wrong, Suzy (31 July 2019). "Review: Banging Denmark (Sydney Theatre Company)". suzygoessee.com. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
  31. 1 2 3 "Your Call is Important to Us". shermanoaksfilmfestival.com. 29 September 2018. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
  32. ↑ "Best Of Australian 6 – 2018". Flickerfest. Retrieved 9 August 2026.
  33. ↑ Keast, Jackie (17 April 2020). "'Slim & I', 'Morgana' take home Gold Coast Film Festival awards". IF Magazine. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
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