A 12-year-old boy from Albany Creek is capturing national attention after starring as Gus Bell in the Netflix adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe, filmed in Brisbane and released in January 2024.
A Rising Star from Albany Creek
Jake Cockburn, a young actor from Albany Creek, began his acting journey at the age of five when he told his mother he wanted to become a famous actor.
With her support, he joined talent specialists Agency 888, where he landed his first roles in commercials. His big break came when he was cast as Gus Bell, the selectively mute character in Boy Swallows Universe, based on Trent Dalton’s award-winning novel.
The series debuted in January 2024, gaining widespread acclaim and shining a spotlight on Jake’s impressive performance.
Building an Impressive Portfolio
Since the premiere of Boy Swallows Universe, Jake has appeared in a range of productions, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He recently featured in The Actually Really Very Difficult Show, a children’s program currently airing on Channel 9/Go, where he provides fun animal facts in a game-show setting.
Jake also played a leading role in Message to the Author, a Griffith Film School short film that won three awards, including Best Griffith Short Film. In this film, Jake portrayed James, a boy who discovers a magical book capable of altering reality. His character grapples with themes of loneliness, bullying, and reconciliation, a performance he described as one of his favourites.
Another significant role was in the indie horror film Halfturn, where Jake played Luken, a half-zombie child navigating an apocalyptic world. The emotionally intense role involved complex makeup processes and challenging scenes. The filmmakers are now seeking funding to develop the project into a full-length feature film.
Commitment to Growth
Jake is not slowing down. He has taken acting lessons with LeBlanc School of Acting in Canada, in addition to participating in local courses. Jake’s mother, Leanne Cockburn, said that despite early childhood speech challenges, Jake has developed a remarkable ability to memorise scripts and adapt to professional environments on set. His dedication has also been recognised by his peers and mentors in the industry.
Jake says he aspires to become Australia’s top actor, with goals to explore multiple genres, including theatre, musicals, comedies, and stunt work. He sees each role as a step towards achieving the high standards he has set for himself.
As Jake continues to grow his career, he remains focused on gaining experience and refining his craft. His recent work, which spans genres and formats, has positioned him as one of Albany Creek’s most promising young talents.
Published 29-December-2024
