Luke Van Os – the cousin of Hollywood actors Chris and Luke Hemsworth – has joined the cast of Home and Away.
Chris’ role as Kim Hyde from 2004 to 2007 will be remembered by long-time viewers of the Channel Seven drama, and now his cousin Luke will be joining the cast.
Luke shared on Instagram, “I’m so pleased to finally announce that I will be joining the @homeandaway crew.”
“My character, Xander, has a close relationship with one of Summer Bay’s most popular residents. I can’t express my gratitude enough to the incredible cast, staff, and @channel7 for making me feel so welcome in this long-running family.”
Luke also thanked his friends, family, and staff for their support over this “long trip,” and stated that now is the time to get to work.
“In 2022, look for Xander on the big screen,” he continued.
Xander, his character, is described as “a mystery guy who arrives in the Bay in search of answers.”
After unexpectedly showing up with his sister Rose, played by Kirsty Marillier, Xander is revealed to be a secret sibling of Summer Bay favourite Jasmine.
Luke revealed to The Daily Telegraph how his famous cousin helped him prepare for his Home and Away audition. Luke is related to Chris and his brothers through his father, who is the brother of their mother Leonie.
“I actually zoomed with Chris the night before when I was asked for a callback for the chemistry test and we ran it (the scene) and kind of just got into a good mood,” he told the outlet.
“His advise was to be pleasant, put in the work, and the job doesn’t stop now; in fact, now is the time to work even harder.”
The 24-year-old actor, who has been in films such as Banana Split, Dancer, Dirt Blood, and Ominous, also said that while he has been auditioning and performing for a long time, he hasn’t been able to find work.
“Acting has always been my love, and to be able to make a career, pay my bills, and do this every day is a dream come true,” Luke added.
“Numbers of individuals have come and done this programme and gone on to have really long careers, and I’m just hoping that’s what I can do for as long as I can.”
He also stated that his relatives have “laid the path” for him by providing him with valuable advice and assistance throughout his career.
He said, “I am fortunate.”
Shortly after beginning filming for the series, the actor became good friends with his co-stars.
Last year, Luke spent his birthday alongside Nicholas Cartwright, Jacqui Purvis, Kawakawa Fox-Reo, Matt Evans, and Courtney Ally, as well as other members of the Home and Away cast.
He captioned the photo, which included a sequence of photographs with everyone, “Epic birthday dinner last night #teppanya.”
Luke will have the support of his real-life family and girlfriend Tonia Miragliotta in addition to his new Summer Bay family.
