Jacob Elordi’s strong performance in the film Saltburn has captured audiences worldwide, but a special screening with his parents and former high school teacher brought some unexpected moments of awkwardness. The Australian actor, now 28, whose career has steadily climbed since his breakout role in Netflix’s The Kissing Booth, experienced this unusual cinema event alongside Alison Kilgour, head of arts at St Joseph’s Nudgee College, where Elordi completed his final two years of school.
Jacob Elordi’s Journey from Brisbane to Hollywood Stardom
Beginning his ascent to fame with the 2018 Netflix hit The Kissing Booth, Jacob Elordi quickly established himself as a rising star. Within a year, he took on a significant role in HBO’s dark teen drama Euphoria, further solidifying his place in Hollywood. His recent repertoire includes major projects such as Elvis, Frankenstein, and notably Saltburn, directed by Emerald Fennell. His work on Frankenstein has earned him nominations for both an Oscar and a Bafta, marking a rapid and impressive rise for the Brisbane-born actor who moved to Los Angeles at 19.
Throughout Elordi’s career progression, Alison Kilgour has followed his success closely. As the former head of arts and his high school teacher, Kilgour has witnessed the actor’s journey firsthand and expressed pride in his achievements.
“It’s a bit surreal to be honest,”
she commented.
“I’ve been watching and reading, and I am so proud of him. I am stoked he’s got to the level he has. What astounds me the most is he walked out of our gates 10 years ago last year and to get to where he has just blows my mind.”
?Alison Kilgour, Head of Arts, St Joseph’s Nudgee College
Sharing the Experience: Watching Saltburn with Family and Teacher
The screening of Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn became particularly memorable as Kilgour attended it with Jacob and his parents. The film gained attention for its striking bathtub scene, where Barry Keoghan’s character drinks the bathwater of Elordi’s character, an unusual moment that brought about some awkward laughter. Kilgour recalled,
“That was pretty funny as I went with the family and he was here and was sitting behind me. There was this laughter that happened and it took me right back to the classroom when I was teaching him.”
?Alison Kilgour, Head of Arts, St Joseph’s Nudgee College
Earlier, she also attended a screening of Frankenstein with Jacob’s parents. Shortly after watching the film, Kilgour spoke to Elordi over FaceTime to congratulate him on his performance, which led to his Oscar nomination for best supporting actor. Reflecting on the news of his casting, she shared,
“I was in the canteen getting a coffee and she got off the phone with him and was like Alison, Alison! and called me over and said he got the part. I was so excited and said that I thought he was going to do an incredible job and that I couldn’t wait to see what he did with the Monster.”
?Alison Kilgour, Head of Arts, St Joseph’s Nudgee College
Returning to School: Jacob Elordi’s Impact on Drama Students
Although his career has taken him around the globe, including work on the upcoming Wuthering Heights film alongside Margot Robbie, Elordi returned to his high school in 2021 to hold workshops with drama students. Kilgour described his involvement as inspirational, explaining that he spent time mentoring students who looked up to him.
“He was beautiful and would come and work with these boys who idolised him,”
she said.
“It was great – he came in a few times while he was here at home and it was so lovely to see him share his passion with this group of boys who were hanging onto every word he said, and he had so much time for that.”
?Alison Kilgour, Head of Arts, St Joseph’s Nudgee College
During his school years, Elordi displayed a deep commitment to acting. Outside of standard classes, he engaged in multiple drama programs, created showreels, and actively sought representation in the United States. Kilgour highlighted his dedication:
“I don’t think anything was ever going to stop him, to be honest, because he just had this undying passion to perform and you could see it on stage, even in the stuff we were doing in the classroom.”
?Alison Kilgour, Head of Arts, St Joseph’s Nudgee College
She vividly remembered his focus, noting,
“One thing I remember was that he always had a journal and he would whip that out and a little pencil and make notes. I always felt he was beyond his years and remember having vivid conversations. It was like he was an old soul to be honest.”
?Alison Kilgour, Head of Arts, St Joseph’s Nudgee College
Jacob Elordi’s Influence on Current Students and His Family Support
Elordi’s success has motivated many students at St Joseph’s Nudgee College to engage more seriously with drama. Alison described how boys at the school often ask,
how did Jacob do this, Miss?
or how did he do that?” She believes his achievements emphasize the power of commitment and passion.
“I think it [his success] shows that no matter what your dying passion is, if you are that committed and dedicated, and you don’t give up, you can achieve what you want to achieve,”
Kilgour said. ?Alison Kilgour, Head of Arts, St Joseph’s Nudgee College
Jacob also remains very close with his family, which includes his parents Melissa and John, along with three older sisters. He has spoken warmly about his mother, calling her
“the most present, loving, just beautiful, angelic human being on this planet.”
Recently, he revealed plans to bring his mum to the Oscars, fulfilling a promise he made as a teenager dreaming of Hollywood stardom.
Alison highlighted the strength of this support network, explaining,
“The family relationship is so important to him, and he has the most incredible family around him. That ongoing support, particularly from his parents and sister, has kept him grounded and focused.”
She added,
“He calls his mum all the time.”
?Alison Kilgour, Head of Arts, St Joseph’s Nudgee College
Anticipation Builds as Oscar Night Approaches
With the Oscars ceremony scheduled for March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and the Baftas set for February 22 at London’s Royal Festival Hall, there is growing excitement around Jacob Elordi’s potential to take home a major award. Alison expressed her hopes for her former student’s victory, saying,
“Oh, I really hope he does. It would be amazing, but at the end of the day, he’s been nominated for an Oscar at 28, and I am so proud of him for that. That is incredible.”
?Alison Kilgour, Head of Arts, St Joseph’s Nudgee College
Meanwhile, Frankenstein is currently streaming on Netflix, and the film Wuthering Heights, featuring Jacob alongside fellow Queenslander Margot Robbie, will be released in UK cinemas on February 11.
