Luke Bracey, who plays Charles 'Pa' Ingalls in Netflix's new adaptation of Little House on the Prairie, has a background far removed from the frontier. The eight-episode series, released on July 9, follows the Ingalls family as they settle in Kansas after leaving Wisconsin. But Bracey's path to Hollywood was anything but straightforward.
How Luke Bracey Accidentally Became an Actor
The 37-year-old Sydney-born actor never intended to pursue acting. According to an interview with Square Mile, Bracey originally planned a career in rugby after school, then considered following his father into construction or attending university. 'I never wanted to be in movies or to be an actor,' he told the magazine. However, a TV producer—whose son was a friend of Bracey's—invited him to audition for a role. Though he didn't get that part, a casting agent later contacted him, leading to his first role as Trey Palmer on the Australian soap Home and Away.
From Soap to Hollywood Blockbusters
After Home and Away, Bracey landed roles in films such as Monte Carlo, The November Man, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Point Break, and Mel Gibson's Hacksaw Ridge. More recently, he appeared in Little Fires Everywhere, Holidate, and Baz Luhrmann's Elvis. His starring role in Little House on the Prairie—already renewed for a second season by Netflix—is expected to boost his profile significantly.
Luke Bracey's Sweet Friendship with Emma Roberts
Bracey shares a close bond with actress Emma Roberts, having co-starred with her in the Christmas romantic comedy Holidate and later in Maybe I Do. Roberts personally asked Bracey to join the cast of Maybe I Do, which also featured Richard Gere, Diane Keaton, William H. Macy, and Susan Sarandon. During an interview with Square Mile, Roberts revealed that producers frequently sent them scripts wanting to reunite them after Holidate, but nothing felt right until Maybe I Do. 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.'
Luke Bracey's Private Personal Life
Bracey keeps his personal life out of the spotlight. He has been linked romantically to Swedish musician Ellinor Olovsdotter, Australian actress Olympia Valance (sister of Neighbours star Holly Valance), and Mexican actor Eiza González. However, his current relationship status is unknown. Roberts, meanwhile, has a son with former partner Garrett Hedlund and became engaged to actor Cody John in 2024.
Luke Bracey's Real Accent Surprised Emma Roberts
During a chemistry read for Holidate, Bracey left Roberts in a state of 'ultimate confusion' for 30 seconds. Roberts admitted she assumed Bracey was American and was shocked when the director asked him to use his natural Australian accent. 'I was like, "You're Australian?" I'd seen you doing American only, and I was like, "Wait, what's happening?"' she recalled. Bracey said they both burst into laughter, finding it 'really funny' and recognizing the film would be a success.
Little House on the Prairie is streaming on Netflix now.
