Who is John Xintavelonis?
John Xintavelonis is a Tasmanian born and bred actor. Essendon Fan. Married father of two children, producer, broadcaster with ABC radio, MC, public speaker. And volunteer/advocate for various charities.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I guess if I wasn’t in musical Theatre, I would be some kind of customer service position. Whether it’s working behind a milk bar like my dad and mum did, customer service maybe, anywhere where I get to interact with people every day. I love that, or just be a stay at home Dad and dedicate all my spare time to the nurturing, and welfare of my children.
Who inspires you and why?
I get inspired by different people every day. People in the industry who have an amazing work ethic that I always aspire to. People who put their own lives aside to help others basically. So frontline workers, like first responders, like police, like ambulance workers, like doctors and nurses. People who see the worst that life can throw at you, and manage to look beyond that and help people in need.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I will do things that I basically do now that are within my means. Showing kindness to people, smiling, showing and giving support to people in need. I guess if I didn’t have to work I would literally volunteer my entire spare time to helping improve people’s lives who are worse off than me. If there is one thing I’ve learned in my 55 years on this planet, it is no matter how tough things are for you, there’s always a whole lot more people who are worse off.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I guess after my own home state, because I believe people tend to not visit their home states and explore their home state as much as they should, I would have to say Greece which is where my ancestry is from. It’s a place steeped in history and culture, and some of the most amazing weather you could experience; where life seems to be celebrated, and consideration is given to just making sure that you switch off and you do have a break, have a rest and enjoy life for the short time that you actually have it on this planet.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to and why?
Well, I assume you mean town as in Melbourne? I will take them to places like the MCG, like the Melbourne Zoo, like the amazing eateries at places like Acland Street St Kilda, Carlton, Degraves Street Melbourne, and Brunswick Street Fitzroy. I’m all about the experiences and the food. Some of these places are unlike anywhere else in the country.
What are you currently reading?
Hahaha…. well, I am currently reading Natalie Bassingthwaighte’s memoir. I saw it at the airport and I thought I would buy it as I was going to be working with her. It’s fascinating read and really gives you an insight into the person she is and what she has gone through in her life it’s quite extraordinary.
What are you currently listening to?
One day, I would like to get into podcasts but I’m not there yet. I’m currently listening to Bruno Mars’ latest album. It’s extraordinary and really gives me a lift.
Happiness is?
I guess happiness is a lot of different things to a lot of different people. For me in my current position in life, it’s having work in the industry, my children and my family being healthy and thriving; meeting amazing, talented beautiful people; and making the most of every day so that you don’t end up regretting things you didn’t do down the track when you’re too old.
What does the future hold for you?
Well, at the tender age of 55, I guess the future holds many joyous moments of watching my children grow and develop into the young adults and people they are going to be. Hopefully me having more opportunities in this amazing and fortunate industry that I have been lucky enough to working in. And inspiring the next generation of performers, actors and broadcasters, and philanthropists and volunteers. Basically being able to give back as much as I can to the people who will come after me, and help make this world a better place than it is now.
John stars as Cal in the Australian premiere of Waitress the Musical – which plays at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre from 1 May, before playing the Sydney Lyric Theatre from 1 August 2026. For more information, visit: www.waitressthemusical.com.au for details.
Image: John Xintavelonis (supplied)