Entertainment
18 October, 2026
Jarron’s brilliant career
INNISFAIL-raised actor and model Jarron Andy has taken his career to new heights with a role in Netflix’s ‘My Brilliant Career’ after leaving Far North Queensland to pursue his dream in Sydney.
Born in Cairns and raised in Innisfail, Andy plays Charlie, an Indigenous drover, in the television adaptation of the Australian novel.
His journey began in 2016, when he won a modelling competition at Cairns Central, becoming the shopping centre’s face and securing representation from a modelling agency.
He later moved to Sydney, where he enrolled in acting courses at NIDA and secured roles in television productions.
Mr Andy told Cairns Local News that leaving Far North Queensland was the biggest challenge he had faced in his career.
“So moving away was definitely one of the biggest things because you’re stepping away from your safety network, your community and your family,” he said.
The actor, who identifies as a proud Waanyi, Djiru, Kuku Yalanji and Yidinji man, said his cultural identity and family support had been central to his success.
He praised Liz Doran, the writer of My Brilliant Career, for consulting First Nations writers when introducing Indigenous characters in the adaptation.
Mr Andy said the production offered opportunities to explore Indigenous experiences through stories of love, joy and connection, while acknowledging difficult historical issues, including the Stolen Generations and displacement.
He said representing First Nations culture on screen was a source of pride, particularly when it inspired young people from regional communities to pursue creative careers.
Now living in Sydney, Mr Andy said he had gradually adjusted to the city’s fast-paced lifestyle after eight years away from home.
He encouraged aspiring actors and models from Far North Queensland to have confidence in their abilities.
“I would definitely just say, back yourselves, back yourselves,” he said.
Mr Andy is now preparing for another film project, which he identified as a new production by filmmaker Warwick Thornton.
He said further details could not be disclosed until an official announcement by Screen Australia.
Despite building his career interstate, Mr Andy remains connected to the region and hopes to share more of his work with local audiences.
“I still consider Cairns home for me,” he said.
