Antony Starr

Discover the life and career of New Zealand actor Antony Starr (born October 25, 1975), famous for his roles in Outrageous Fortune, Banshee, and as Homelander in The Boys.

Introduction

Antony Starr is a New Zealand actor whose talent and intensity have propelled him from local fame to international stardom. Though he’s well known in New Zealand for playing dual roles in Outrageous Fortune, his portrayal of the menacing yet charismatic Homelander in Amazon’s The Boys franchise has brought him global recognition. His range—from charming twins to violent antiheroes—makes him one of the most compelling actors of his generation.

Early Life and Family

Antony Starr was born on October 25, 1975 in Wellington, New Zealand. Rangitoto College and graduated in 1993.

His early life included stints as an extra in productions and working odd jobs—such as at a petrol station—while developing his acting aspirations.

Little is publicly known about his parents or siblings from reliable sources.

Youth, Education & Early Acting

During his school years, Antony Starr took drama classes and participated in local productions.

He also spent a period living abroad—some sources suggest he lived in Norway, working various jobs (cafés, bars) and improving his language skills.

Returning to New Zealand, he continued pursuing acting opportunities, gradually securing more significant television roles.

Acting Career & Achievements

Entry into Television & New Zealand Fame

Antony Starr’s early screen credits include minor roles in Xena: Warrior Princess, and as a guest in Shortland Street. Mercy Peak, a New Zealand drama, in a recurring role.

His breakthrough came when he was cast in Outrageous Fortune (2005–2010), a crime-comedy drama series in New Zealand. In that show he portrayed twins Jethro and Van West — giving him a dual role that demanded versatility and showcased his skills.

Meanwhile, he also appeared in films like In My Father’s Den (2004) and The World’s Fastest Indian.

He also starred in the drama After the Waterfall (2010), for which he earned a New Zealand Film Award nomination.

Expansion into International Projects

In 2012, he appeared in the Australian film Wish You Were Here, a role that earned him the AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actor.

His first major U.S./international TV lead role came with the Cinemax series Banshee (2013–2016), where he played Lucas Hood (an ex-con assuming a small town’s sheriff identity). That role introduced him to global audiences beyond New Zealand.

He also appeared in American Gothic (2016) in a main role.

Homelander & Global Recognition

In 2018, Starr was cast as Homelander in the Amazon Prime adaptation of The Boys.

Critics and audiences have frequently singled out his performance as a highlight of the series. The Boys has become a major streaming hit, expanding his reach and cementing his place in pop culture.

He’s also reprised the role in spin-offs (including The Boys Presents: Diabolical) and lent his likeness and voice to related video games.

In 2025 he appeared in feature films The Covenant and Cobweb, continuing his presence in both TV and film.

Style, Versatility & Strengths

• Range & duality: Starr’s ability to embody contrasting characters (e.g. twins in Outrageous Fortune, or hero/villain in The Boys) highlights his dramatic flexibility.

• Intensity & charisma: In roles like Homelander, he blends charm with menace — delivering characters who are compelling, unpredictable, and memorable.

• Emotional nuance: Even in darker roles, he portrays internal conflict and vulnerability, which adds depth beyond one-dimensional villainy.

• Physical commitment: He invests in physicality and presence, important for roles in action and thriller genres.

• Subtlety under pressure: His performances often allow moments of quiet menace, letting small expressions carry weight rather than relying on overacting.

Awards, Nominations & Recognition

• Winner of the Qantas Television Award for Best Actor (Outrageous Fortune, 2005).

• Winner of the Air New Zealand Screen Award for his performances in Outrageous Fortune.

• AACTA Award (Australia) for Best Supporting Actor in Wish You Were Here (2012).

• Nomination for New Zealand Film Award (After the Waterfall) for Best Actor.

• Multiple awards in The Boys era: e.g. Critics’ Choice Super Awards — he has multiple wins (Best Actor in a Superhero Series, Best Villain) and nominations in that category.

• In 2025 he won a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor on Television for his work in The Boys.

Public Persona & Personal Life

Antony Starr is known for maintaining a private personal life, focusing public attention more on his craft than celebrity.

In March 2022, he was arrested in Alicante, Spain, for assaulting a 21-year-old man in a pub. He accepted a 12-month suspended sentence and paid restitution to avoid prison time.

Reports also mention he has had a partnership with Lucy McLay.

Legacy & Impact

Antony Starr’s career is an example of how an actor from a smaller film/TV market (New Zealand) can cross into global mainstream recognition. His successful transition—from national stardom in Outrageous Fortune to playing one of the most talked-about antagonists on international streaming—illustrates persistence, range, and strategic role choice.

His portrayal of Homelander has left a mark on how modern “villains” are conceptualized in TV: not just evil for evil’s sake, but deeply flawed, charismatic, and psychologically rich. Many critics cite his performance as one of the standout villain turns in recent television.

For aspiring actors, his path underscores the importance of embracing roles that challenge typecasting and pushing into international opportunities without abandoning one’s roots.