Blonde, the American biographical drama film written and directed by Andrew Dominik released on Netflix on September 28 this year, following its premiere at the 79th Venice Film Festival and a limited theatrical release in the United States. The movie, based on a novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates, is a fictionalized account of the personal and professional life of Norma Jeane Mortenson, famously known as Marilyn Monroe.

The movie stars Ana de Armas as Monroe, alongside Xavier Samuel, Juliane Nicholson, Sara Paxton, and Evan Williams in supporting roles. Australian actor Xavier Samuel plays the role of Charles Chaplin Jr. also known as Cass Chaplin in the movie.

Also Read | Marilyn Monroe throuple with Eddie Robinson Jr and Cass Chaplin explained

Who is Xavier Samuel?

Xavier Samuel was born on December 10, 1983, in Hamilton, Victoria to Clifford and Maree Samuel. Born in South Australia, he grew up in Adelaide and spent a year in Darwin when he was 13. He has two siblings – an elder sister, Bridget, and a younger brother, Benedict. Benedict is also an actor and producer.

Samuel graduated from Rostrevor College and attended a drama course at the Christian Brothers College in Adelaide. He also attended Flinders University Drama Centre and graduated in 2006.

While in high school, Samuel played the part of Tom Snout (The Wall) in his college’s production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He made his on-screen debut on the Australian TV show McLeod’s Daughters in 2003. Following that, he appeared in several movies like September (2007), Newcastle (2008), and The Loved Ones (2009).

Also Read | Blonde review: Ana de Armas’ Marilyn Monroe is forsaken, all too human

Samuel gained his first blockbuster film after being cast as Riley Biers in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse in 2010. He received his first award at the 2011 MTV Movie Awards for his role. Following that, he went on to star in several Hollywood hits including Fury (2014) and Love and Friendship (2017). In the Marilyn Monroe biopic Blonde (2022), he played the role of Charlie Chaplin Jr. famously known as Cass Chaplin.

He usually splits his time between Australia and America as he works in film industries based in both countries.

Samuel dated German model Shermine Shahrivar from 2010-2011. In 2012, he dated his co-star Phoebe Tonkin and from 2012-2015, he dated Australian actress Emily Browning. He has also dated model Jessica Gomes and Scottish actress Marianna Palka.