Ice hockey, a love triangle and the fake-dating trope … Prime Video’s latest show, Off Campus, brings together all the best elements of some of the internet’s favourite romance shows (Heated Rivalry, The Summer I Turned Pretty and Maxton Hall) from the past few years.
Josh Heuston was in Netflix comedy Heartbreak High. Photo: InstagramAdapted from author Elle Kennedy’s book series of the same name, Off Campus follows Briar University’s hockey-hating music major, Hannah Wells (Ella Bright), who strikes up a fake relationship with hockey captain Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli) to make her long-time crush Justin Kohl, played by Josh Heuston, jealous.
Many fans of the series, which premiered on May 13, may recognise Heuston as Dusty Reid, the heartthrob of Netflix’s comedy drama Heartbreak High. The 29-year-old actor has also starred in HBO’s Dune: Prophecy as well as Marvel’s 2022 film Thor: Love and Thunder alongside Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman.
Josh Heuston is of Anglo-Sri Lankan descent. Photo: @jheuston/Instagram
But what’s really impressive is that Heuston only committed to acting around 2020. Here’s what else you need to know about the rising star.
Josh Heuston is Australian
Swimming is Josh Heuston’s favourite way to unwind. Photo: @jheuston/Instagram
Heuston grew up in the Baulkham Hills area of Western Sydney alongside his mum and two younger sisters, Charlie and Ashley, according to an interview he gave to JustSmile. Reportedly of Anglo-Sri Lankan descent, his lifestyle nevertheless sounds 100 per cent Australian. “Nothing is better than going for a quick swim in the ocean,” he told the Beauty Crew when asked his favourite way to unwind.
He’s a science geek-turned-fashion model
Josh Heuston was working as a waiter when he was scouted. Photo: @jheuston/Instagram
Heuston told GQ Australia that, while growing up, he never for a second considered being in front of the camera as a career, and instead went to a Sydney university to study biomolecular science and commerce. It was only when he was working as a waiter to make money while studying that things took an unexpected turn.
While serving drinks at a fashion party, he was discovered by a model scout. Soon he was booked and busy, he told GQ, and it wasn’t long before he dropped out of his course to model for everyone from Fendi and Gucci to Louis Vuitton and Burberry in shows and campaigns around the world.