ACTOR JOSH HEUSTON WAS QUICKLY ANOINTED THE NEXT TEEN DREAM AFTER MAKING HEARTS FLUTTER AS THE INSECURE BUT OH-SO-GOOD-LOOKING DUSTY IN THE HIT COMING-OF-AGE NETFLIX TV DRAMA, HEARTBREAK HIGH. HAVING ALSO LANDED ROLES IN THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER, BALI 2002 AND MORE THAN THIS, HIS BEGUILING BROODINESS AND NATURAL ACTING PROWESS HAVE CEMENTED HIM AS ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S NEXT GEN OF RISING TALENTS WE’LL BE SEEING MUCH MORE OF… WHICH IS FINE BY US.

Left Full look **PRADA**
Right Full look **BURBERRY**

Firstly, can we just talk about the fact that you’re a Bachelor of Science in Biomolecular Science and a Bachelor of Commerce?! That’s impressive. What was your career plan before the modelling / acting came along?
I never really had a specific plan while at University, I don’t think I had a proper path until I started acting.

Left Necklace **ACNE STUDIOS**
Right Full look **GUCCI**

So, after you were scouted as a model, had you already finished your studies, or did you find yourself traveling around the world walking the runways, with only a pile of schoolbooks to keep you company?
I was doing both at the same time and eventually had to make a choice between the two. I figured I could always come back to Uni, but the path of modelling might only be open for a smaller window. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have encountered so far and here’s to loads more in the future.

Obviously, your good looks helped bag you the modelling gigs, but acting is really where your passion lies, right? Being in the music video for Super Cruel’s song Sicklaced in 2017 really kickstarted the fire for you. Did you sign up for any classes at all after that?
Acting is where my passion lies. After that tiny part in the music video, I signed up to every acting class I could find in Sydney and from those, auditions started to happen.

Where do you get your confidence from?
I think my confidence comes from knowing who I am and being comfortable with the good and bad parts of that.

Were there films or TV shows you used to watch as a kid and thought, I want to be that lead guy?
As a kid I was obsessed with the Lord of the Rings franchise. I’ve watched all the films over 20 times! I’ve also always loved Fight Club.

Left Boxers **HAULIER**
Right Top **CHANEL**, necklace **ACNE STUDIOS**, shorts **ISABEL MARANT**, vintage belt stylist’s own

Your big breakout role was in 90s reboot Heartbreak High as Dusty Reid. You turned the typical high school heartthrob character trope on its head by revealing all his flaws and insecurities instead. It worked with today’s societal pull for more men to be open and talk about their feelings, rather than these hyper-masculine dudes. How did you approach that role, were you given carte-blanche to mould him as you wanted?
The writer of Heartbreak High, Hannah Carroll Chapman created Dusty with this energy of being not your typical high-school character. My main goal was to make him feel as real as possible. Most interpretations of the quote-on-quote “heartthrob” in a high school drama are typically flawless and hyper confident, I wanted to show the other side of that.

What were you like in high school yourself, were you the guy that everybody wanted to go to Prom with?
Definitely not, there were plenty more popular guys in school!

Left Full look **ZEGNA**
Right Necklace **ACNE STUDIOS**

As well as representing and tackling topical discussions in the storyline, the Heartbreak High reboot also included a diverse ensemble cast, and helped more young Aussies feel seen on screen. How important was that, and is it to you now, in terms of your own cultural background and your progression in this industry?
Extremely important. I think Australia as a whole is very diverse, so screen should also reflect that.

The show’s impact on your career obviously opened doors for you, and you went on to do the TV drama Bali 2002 and then Marvel's, Thor: Love and Thunder alongside Russell Crowe and Chris Hemsworth. Were you pinching yourself on set with those acting heavyweights? Did you get any top tips and advice from them?
I’ve grown up watching both of those actors, so it was a surreal experience being on set with them. I learnt a lot just watching them work, from the way they engage with the camera or handle the text. It was a masterclass to watch, and I look forward to more!

Left Full looks **PRADA**
Right Full look **EMPORIO ARMANI**

One thing you’ve got to love about acting is just the ability to lose yourself. What kind of stories are you interested in exploring and telling? Is there something you’re always on the lookout for in a script that excites you?
At this stage of my career, I think I’m excited by projects that scare me or make me a little nervous.

Do you have a wish list of directors, and actors you’re itching to work with?
The list goes on forever, but I’d love the opportunity to work with Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve, and Luca Guadagnino.

Left Boxers **HAULIER**
Right Robe **BURBERRY**

We must talk about Dune: The Sisterhood, your upcoming project, who do you play and what can fans expect from this prequel series?
I play Constantine Corrin, he’s the illegitimate son of the emperor. I think any fans of the film franchise will love it, but I can’t say much more!

What’s important in your life and your work? Do you feel you are achieving the kind of success you want to have so far, in terms of how you want to live your life?
Family is the most important thing to me. I feel like I’m on the path I want for my life.

Finally, what advice would you offer the young Australian sitting at home, who wants to act?
My advice would be to just start! Do classes, film scenes at home, everything, and anything to help, just do it!