How a Kiwi actor became the most terrifying villain on modern television
In short: Antony Starr, a New Zealand native, rose from local soap operas to global fame as the psychopathic Homelander in The Boys. Initially dismissive of the role, he auditioned with frustration, only to create a performance that critics now rank among the greatest television portrayals of the 21st century.
Born in Wellington in 1975, Starr began his career in the 1990s with roles in New Zealand staples like Shortland Street. His early years were defined by a relentless work ethic, juggling petrol station shifts with acting classes and guest spots. He gained significant local recognition for his dual performance as twins Jethro and Van West in the series Outrageous Fortune, which earned him multiple awards between 2005 and 2007. His transition to international markets began with the American series Banshee, where he played an ex-con masquerading as a small-town sheriff.
Starr’s global breakthrough arrived in 2019 with Amazon’s The Boys. Cast as the all-American superhero Homelander, Starr initially struggled with the lack of depth in the character description, which simply read 'Bad Superman.' He famously recorded his audition tape out of pure anger, a choice that ultimately defined his chilling, measured delivery. Critics have since lauded his ability to portray disturbed men who wear normalcy like a mask, with his performance serving as the narrative foundation for the series through its final season in 2026.
Beyond his professional success, Starr’s life has seen notable turbulence. In 2022, he was arrested in Alicante, Spain, following an altercation at a pub, resulting in a 12-month suspended sentence and a fine of $5,464.97. Despite such personal controversies, his professional trajectory remains marked by high-profile projects, including roles in films like The Covenant and Cobweb, as well as voice work for video games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. His work continues to be recognized by industry bodies, including a 2025 Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor on Television.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Antony Starr
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