Who is Joel Beasley?
Sometimes I’m moody. Sometimes I’m intrigued by the person dancing on the corner of the street. Sometimes I’m competitive in charades (who isn’t?). Sometimes I’m extremely empathetic towards a stranger sitting alone in a library. Sometimes I’m queer. Wait, no. I’m always queer. I’m absolutely kooky for at least a whole minute every day. I’m hip – I’m cool, and if there is a strip-pole in the club, that’s where you’ll find me. I’m also such a grandpa. I love my routines, my morning coffee ritual and spending time in bed watching my favourite shows.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I wasn’t studying Acting/Theatre-Making, I’d probably be working the corner of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills making an honest living. Nah, I’m kidding – but Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman is my idol. In all seriousness, I’d probably be a full-time artist, working as a portraiture photographer.
Who inspires you and why?
Timothee Chalamet – for showing me that someone with his physique is beautiful and desirable. In terms of standards of beauty and Hollywood actors, I’ve always felt a pressure (and somewhat still do) to ‘fill out’ or ‘bulk up’ to be able to be cast in a role. Troye Sivan too – for being the first openly gay person I identified with and looked up to in regards to being a role-model for younger queer people and demonstrating his creative capabilities.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d ban single use plastics, especially water bottles. Whoever is still buying single use water bottles needs a reality check. There is no reason you shouldn’t have a reusable, pvc free, bpa free, sturdy, durable, insulating sexy water bottle these days.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Tamarama, Sydney – at my bestie Tess’ place, because I get to annoy her for a whole week of the year.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
It’s not really an attraction, but I like taking friends vintage shopping down Smith Street and Brunswick Street then getting coffee and lunch at Alimentari.
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading 1984 by George Orwell. I don’t know why but I like to read it every summer holiday.
What are you currently listening to?
Harry Styles’ new album every spare second I have.
Happiness is?
Original glaze Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
What does the future hold for you?
Who bloody knows, I’m a ‘fly by the seat of my pants’ kinda gal. I’m just going to follow the creative projects, people and friends which make me happy!
Joel stars in the premiere of Kissing Booth’s Leopard Print Loincloth by Jake Stewart at Theatre Worlks, St Kilda as part of the 2020 Midsumma Festival from 4 February. For more information, visit: www.theatrework.org.au for details.
Image: Joel Beasley (supplied)