Luke Bracey, the 37-year-old Australian actor starring as Charles 'Pa' Ingalls in Netflix's reimagined Little House on the Prairie, leads a life off-screen that intrigues fans. The eight-part series, released on July 9, follows the Ingalls family as they start anew in Kansas after leaving Wisconsin.
How Luke Bracey Accidentally Became an Actor
Bracey, a Sydney native, never intended to pursue acting. He dreamt of a rugby career after school and considered joining his father's construction business or attending university. He told Square Mile: 'I never wanted to be in movies or to be an actor.' However, a friend's father, a TV producer, called him for an audition. Though he didn't get that part, a casting agent later offered him the role of Trey Palmer on Home and Away. Hollywood soon followed, with roles in Monte Carlo, The November Man, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Point Break, and Hacksaw Ridge. More recently, he appeared in Little Fires Everywhere, Holidate, and Baz Luhrmann's Elvis. His role in Little House on the Prairie, already greenlit for a second season, is set to boost his profile further.
Luke Bracey's Sweet Friendship with Emma Roberts
Bracey shares a close friendship with Emma Roberts, his co-star in the Christmas rom-com Holidate and the film Maybe I Do. Roberts invited Bracey to join Maybe I Do, where they worked with Hollywood icons Richard Gere, Diane Keaton, William H. Macy, and Susan Sarandon. In an interview with Square Mile, Roberts revealed that after Holidate, they received scripts for potential reunions, but Maybe I Do was the right fit. Bracey told Roberts: 'You are awesome. I love working with you, love being your mate, looking forward to going to the pub as soon as possible, and making another film.' Roberts, who has a son with former partner Garrett Hedlund, is engaged to actor Cody John as of 2024.
Luke Bracey's Guarded Private Life
Bracey keeps his personal life private. He has been linked to Swedish musician Ellinor Olovsdotter, Australian actress Olympia Valance (sister of Neighbours star Holly Valance), and Mexican actor Eiza González (Baby Driver, I Care A Lot). Currently, it is unclear if he is dating anyone or single.
Luke Bracey's Real Accent
Bracey's natural Australian accent once caused 'ultimate confusion' for Roberts during a chemistry read for Holidate. Roberts, who thought Bracey was American, was surprised when director John Whitesell asked him to use his native accent. She recalled: 'I was like, “You're Australian?” I'd seen you doing American only, and I was like, “Wait, what's happening?”' Both laughed it off, and Bracey said it was 'really funny,' realizing the film would work out.
Little House on the Prairie is streaming on Netflix now.
