Having already made a mark in Harrow, Neighbours and Territory, rising star Joe Klocek’s latest role is the straight-acting gay farm boy in the new television adaptation of Invisible Boys.
When did you first get the desire to be an actor?
It was in school. I threw everything into my studies, and the only time I could let loose was when I was in the musical productions and plays. It was always in drama class that I felt the freest.
How did you break into television?
In grade twelve, my drama teachers thought I’d enjoy the extracurricular activity of the Queensland Theatre Youth Ensemble. It was a once-a-week thing I’d go to where I’d learn the craft of acting, script analysing and performing. That was when I realised it could become a job. I saw people around me making a living from doing something they loved. In 2012 at the end of the Youth Ensemble, we had a showcase where I picked up an agent, and then it became very real! Barracuda was my first TV credit, and I’ve never looked back.
Joseph Zada as Charlie with Joe Klocek as Matt in Invisible Boys – Photograph: David Dare Parker
Can we give a shout-out to your high school drama teachers?
Miss Welsh and Miss Hollins at Kenmore High School, Brisbane. Miss Hollins messaged me when the Invisible Boys trailer came out. It was very special for her to see me now making a living from something they had started.
The roles in Invisible Boys were much sought-after for an actor. What was the audition process like?
I’d worked with the director Nick Verso before Invisible Boys on the show Nowhere Boys, and I knew that he was working on a new queer drama, which he was stoked about. That got me excited, too. When I was emailed an audition invitation I opened it, read the scenes and thought, “Wow! I need to be a part of this. I need to be Matt and tell this story!” So, I threw my everything into that audition and it went my way!
Joe Klocek as Matt in Invisible Boys – Photograph: David Dare Parker
Your character, Matt, is a closeted and straight-acting farm boy. Can you tell us about how you prepared for the role?
Matt’s an interesting character because he’s accepted his sexuality and is comfortable with being gay, but he’s not comfortable with other people’s perception of him. While he’s openly gay to himself, he can’t admit it to the world. My first step in preparing to play Matt was to read the scripts, pull them apart and have discussions with Nick. I researched what it’s like to grow up in a rural community and to feel isolated. There was one day before filming where I worked on the farm that we shot on. We did some fencing, ploughed a field and met the other workers. I liked it! It was lovely to be let into that world. Maybe in another life, I would have been a farmer.
“Matt’s accepted his sexuality and is comfortable with being gay, but he’s not comfortable with other people’s perception of him.”
That kind of research goes hand in hand with your other role in Territory.
(Laughing) Yes, we did film that on a cattle station for a month. I lived and breathed that life, and it’s very isolating. But I personally loved that feeling of being able to switch off. That’s part of why I love Australia. You can escape to some beautiful places and just shut off from the rest of the world. I loved shooting in Geraldton because the story is set there. That makes it so much easier as an actor because you are literally living inside of the story. Geraldton is a character in itself and has a very Western Australian feel to it.
Joe Klocek Photograph: David Dare Parker
The characters travel down some dark roads. How did you find that?
It’s very complex, for instance, my character Matt strikes me as a man of few words, and I think he’s representative of a lot of men who grow up in isolated rural areas. Guys who don’t say much but feel just as deeply as everyone else, if not more. It’s a very important thing to note, and if anyone watching the show is having difficulty with their mental health, I hope they reach out for help. The heart of Invisible Boys is about finding yourself and finding your people. My brother used to work for a charity called Trademutt, which supports blue-collar workers. Their slogan is ‘This Is a Conversation Starter’. They’re about raising awareness for people in communities and jobs that don’t talk enough about mental health.
Did you bond with the other cast members?
Yeah, and I was so excited to see them all again at the premiere. It’s been close to a year now since we worked together, and we get on well. We still have our group chats and share photos of what we’re currently working on. We’ve become a tight-knit crew. Joseph Zada (Charlie) and I fell in love immediately. We had the opportunity to get to know each other in pre-production, which was important for building our relationship on the screen.
Joseph Zada as Charlie with Joe Klocek as Matt in Invisible Boys – Photograph: David Dare Parker
You also played the younger version of Eric Bana’s character Aaron in The Dry.
Yes, back when I was a child! I loved the experience of, again, filming in Australia. Our industry is unparalleled. It was wonderful to work with that amazing cast and crew, and Eric was wonderful. I’d worked with the director Rob Connolly before on Barracuda. I’m also still good friends with the guys from The Dry to this day.
In 2019, you were named one of the Casting Guild of Australia’s Rising Stars. How did that feel?
It was an absolute honour. I’m not one for awards and recognition, but it’s nice to be recognised, particularly by the Australian industry. It’s such a supportive industry and every acknowledgement propels you forward. At the end of the day, it comes down to hard work, dedication, lots of rejection, perseverance and a love for doing it.
“I read the scenes and thought, “Wow! I need to be a part of this. I need to be Matt and tell this story!”
Who has been your biggest inspiration in the acting world?
I know it’s a cliché but without my family’s influence and support I wouldn’t be doing what I do. Working with Eric Bana was also inspirational. At that time in my life, I was kind of naïve about the industry, but I had the opportunity to talk to Eric about his experience, which was eye-opening. I respect his work. I’m also a big fan of Harrison Ford and George Lucas. George had a vision and went after it with no compromises. Star Wars is my favourite film, and if I get to play a Jedi one day, I’ll go to my grave happy!
Joe Klocek as Matt in Invisible Boys – Photograph: David Dare Parker
When you’re not acting, how do you spend your spare time?
I go to the gym to keep my mind active and body fit. I also swim and hike, which can be hard living in London during the cold months, especially when you put on the Christmas kilos (laughing). I was desperate to return to Australia in January to escape the blistering cold. Lifting weights is my thing, but I should do more cardio.
Joseph Zada as Charlie with Joe Klocek as Matt in Invisible Boys – Photograph: David Dare Parker
What advice can you give to people wanting to enter the acting profession?
Expect the unexpected and persevere. Comparison is the worst thing you can do. The further I head into my career, the more I realise how bad comparison can be. If you’re just starting, I would say there’s no one way to become an actor, but you need to be driven and love what you’re doing. You need to be interested in other people’s stories and have a hunger to tell them.
“Matt’s representative of a lot of men who grow up in isolated rural areas. Guys who don’t say much but feel just as deeply as everyone else.”
What do you hope audiences will take from Invisible Boys?
I hope it opens people’s minds and starts conversations. It’s a story for anyone who has ever felt alone or like they don’t fit in. But you’re never alone if you can find your tribe. You can then find a way through the hard times. What makes us unique makes us brilliant. Invisible Boys is a story about resilience, acceptance and love, and they’re all great messages!
Invisible Boys is steaming now on Stan
Follow Joe on Instagram @joeklocek
If you or anyone you know requires help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Headspace on 1800 650 890
Joseph Zada as Charlie with Joe Klocek as Matt in Invisible Boys – Photograph: David Dare Parker
