Michael Theo, who rose to prominence on the reality dating show Love on the Spectrum, has wrapped the third season of the ABC comedy-drama Austin and is now filming the forthcoming ABC series Rural Crime Unit in Adelaide, among other projects.
Theo, talent-scouted by Death in Paradise actor Ben Miller, who co-created the lead role for him in Austin, has also appeared in ABC Family’s mystery series Caper Crew and completed voice work on the Shaun Tan adaptation Tales from Outer Suburbia.
Austin, a fictionalised version of Theo in which he plays railway-obsessed forklift driver Austin Hogan, follows his discovery of his UK biological father Julian Hartswood (Miller). Theo had a consulting role in creating the character, who shares some traits with him but is more literal and less physically affectionate. “I consider Natalie one of my dearest friends. She’s someone I love working with,” Theo said of co-star Natalie Abbott, who plays his character’s girlfriend. He said season three included an intimacy co-ordinator, which suited him because he wanted Abbott to be comfortable if there were any kissing scenes.
Of his new role in Rural Crime Unit, Theo said: “I don’t think he is on the spectrum. I think he might be neurotypical.” He described working with Miller and the wider Austin cast, including Sally Phillips, Gia Carides, Roy Billing, Stephen Curry and Justine Clarke, as “a joy and a pleasure. I call them my screen family. I love them to the point that I’m actually terrified of losing them.”
Theo, currently single after an 18-month relationship, said he did not find love on reality TV and would not recommend that process to everyone. “People who are neurodiverse don’t want or need special treatment. We just want to be loved and accepted, like everybody else,” he said.
Austin returns at 9pm on Wednesday, November 11, on the ABC and ABC iview.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Theo’s growing slate of roles reflects increasing opportunities for neurodiverse actors in Australian television.
- His portrayal of an autistic lead character on a mainstream ABC series helps foster understanding of neurodiversity.
- The success of Austin, a show co-created with and starring its neurodiverse lead, may encourage similar inclusive casting in the industry.
Background
Michael Theo first gained public attention as a participant on the Australian dating show Love on the Spectrum, which follows autistic people seeking romance. His natural on-screen presence led to a talent-scouting by actor Ben Miller, who co-created the ABC comedy-drama Austin with him in mind. The series is now in its third season.
Key Perspectives
Michael Theo: He hopes the show helps viewers understand more about people living with autism. “Neurodiverse people are just as capable of navigating life as well as anyone else … It’s just a matter of finding your crowd.”
Michael Theo on relationships: “Romantic love is a treasure … You must always cherish your partner and treat her like gold. It’s not easy being in a relationship. It takes work.”
What to Watch
- The premiere of Austin season three on November 11 and its reception.
- The release of Rural Crime Unit, in which Theo plays a character he describes as likely neurotypical.
- Whether Austin is renewed for a fourth season.