Jacob Elordi has become one of the most recognizable young actors of his generation, moving swiftly from Australian teen heartthrob to critically acclaimed performer. With his towering frame, distinctive voice, and willingness to take on challenging roles, Elordi has carved out a career that defies easy categorization. As of late 2026, he stands at a fascinating crossroads, balancing blockbuster fame with a clear desire to work with cinema’s most respected auteurs.
Early Life and Background
Jacob Nathaniel Elordi was born on June 16, 1997, in Brisbane, Australia. His father, John, is of Basque descent, having emigrated from the Basque Country to Australia as a child, and worked as a house painter. His mother, Melissa, was a stay-at-home mom who volunteered at his school. Elordi has three older sisters and has often spoken warmly of his working-class upbringing.
The family briefly moved to Melbourne when Elordi was twelve so his sister could attend the Australian Ballet School, before returning to Brisbane four years later. As a teenager, Elordi excelled at sports, particularly basketball and rugby union, but also discovered a passion for acting. He has recalled being bullied at school for doing theatre, but his confidence in his own abilities remained intact.
A serious rugby injury at sixteen, which resulted in a broken bone in his back, ended his athletic aspirations and allowed him to focus fully on acting. After graduating from high school, he began pursuing acting professionally, landing early roles in short films and the Australian movie Swinging Safari.
Breakthrough with The Kissing Booth
Elordi’s life changed dramatically when he was cast as Noah Flynn in Netflix’s The Kissing Booth, released in May 2018. The film became a massive hit, and Elordi woke up one morning to find his Instagram following had exploded by four million. He has described the sudden fame as disorienting, forcing him to delete old personal photos from his social media. Despite the film’s success, Elordi was still struggling financially, often couch surfing or sleeping in his car while auditioning for his next role.
Euphoria and Critical Acclaim
That next role came in the form of Nate Jacobs, the troubled high school football player in HBO’s Euphoria. Elordi’s performance as the menacing yet complex Nate earned him widespread recognition and showcased his ability to play dark, nuanced characters. The show premiered in 2019 and became a cultural phenomenon. Elordi returned for the second season and is set to appear in the third season, which is scheduled to air in April 2026.
Elordi subsequently starred in two sequels to The Kissing Booth, but he has been candid about his mixed feelings toward the franchise, stating that he didn’t initially want to make those movies. He has since sought out more challenging material.
Transition to Prestige Projects
In 2023, Elordi played Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, a performance that drew praise for capturing the King’s charisma and complexity. That same year, he appeared in Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn as Felix Catton, a role that earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. These two performances signaled his intention to move beyond teen heartthrob roles and work with acclaimed directors.
He followed these with roles in Oh, Canada, On Swift Horses, and The Narrow Road to the Deep North. His portrayal of The Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2025, garnered him a Golden Globe nomination and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film received nine Oscar nominations in total, including one for Elordi, cementing his status as a serious actor.
Upcoming Projects and Future Ambitions
Elordi is set to star opposite Margot Robbie in a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights, playing Heathcliff. The film is expected to be released in early 2026. He also appears in Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic thriller The Dog Stars (titled La guerra de los últimos in Spanish-speaking markets), alongside Margaret Qualley and Josh Brolin. In the film, Elordi plays Hig, a pilot surviving in a desolate future.
Looking ahead, Elordi is attached to star in Ari Aster’s next film, Scapegoat, with Scarlett Johansson, and in a project directed by László Nemes based on Cormac McCarthy’s novel Outer Dark. He has also reportedly turned down the chance to audition for Superman, indicating a preference for less conventional blockbuster roles.
Personal Life and Public Image
Elordi’s personal life has often been in the spotlight. He has been linked to several high-profile celebrities, including his Euphoria co-star Zendaya, Joey King, and Kaia Gerber. He tends to keep his private life private, though he has spoken about the difficulties of sudden fame and the pressure of being a public figure.
Standing at 1.96 meters (6 feet 5 inches), Elordi has become a fashion icon, working with brands such as Hugo Boss, TAG Heuer, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Cartier, and Calvin Klein. His distinctive style and striking looks have made him a favorite of designers and photographers.
Net Worth and Earnings
Estimates of Jacob Elordi’s net worth vary. Unverified reports have suggested figures ranging from around $4 million to between $8 and $15 million. These estimates should be treated with caution, as exact financial details are not publicly disclosed. His income comes from acting roles, brand endorsements, and possibly real estate investments. While his salary for Euphoria has not been officially confirmed, some reports suggest he earned around $500,000 per episode for the third season. For his role in Wuthering Heights, rumored compensation is around $1 million. These figures remain speculative.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Jacob Elordi?
Jacob Elordi is approximately 1.96 meters (6 feet 5 inches) tall.
What is Jacob Elordi’s most famous role?
He is widely known for playing Nate Jacobs in the HBO series Euphoria and for his role as Noah Flynn in The Kissing Booth film series.
Has Jacob Elordi won any awards?
As of late 2026, Elordi has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Frankenstein, as well as a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. He has not yet won these major awards.
What is Jacob Elordi’s net worth?
Estimates vary, with some sources suggesting a range between $4 million and $15 million. These are unverified estimates, and his actual net worth is not publicly confirmed.
What is Jacob Elordi’s ethnicity?
Elordi is of Basque descent through his father, who emigrated from the Basque Country to Australia. His mother is Australian.
What are Jacob Elordi’s upcoming projects?
He will appear in Wuthering Heights, The Dog Stars, Ari Aster’s Scapegoat, and a film adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s Outer Dark directed by László Nemes.
Featured image: John Sears / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
