Socratis Otto is an Australian cinema, stage, and television actor. His most recognizable roles are in the television series ‘Young Lions’ and ‘Wentworth.’ Socratis, who was born and reared in Sydney, Australia to Greek immigrant parents, became interested in acting as a teenager. Always in tune with his artistic side, Socratis studied creative writing and then received acting training at the ‘National Institute of Dramatic Art.’ He subsequently joined the ‘Sydney Theatre Company’ and began performing in plays. He made his screen début in 2001 with the television series ‘Outriders’ and subsequently appeared in minor roles in series such as ‘All Saints.’ In 2003, he made his big-screen debut with a minor part in the film ‘The Matrix Reloaded.’ Then, he played pivotal roles in films like ‘Monkey Puzzle,’ ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine,’ and ‘I, Frankenstein.’ In the series ‘Wentworth,’ he portrayed a transgender woman named ‘Maxine Conway’ and received widespread acclaim for his performance. Recently, he was seen in a pivotal role in the film ‘Enter the Wild.’
Youth and Early Life
On May 5, 1970, Socratis Otto was born in Sydney, Australia. He was the family’s oldest son. His parents relocated from Greece to Australia in quest of better employment prospects. Socratis was very engaged in sports as a child. He was also passionate about writing and fascinated by the realm of film and television. He did not realize he desired a career in the entertainment industry until he reached his teenage years.
He attended college after graduating from high school and obtained a degree in creative writing and literature. His original intention was to become a writer. However, his passion for acting prevailed, and upon graduating from college, he promptly enrolled in ‘NIDA.’ Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe are among the alumni of ‘NIDA,’ which is one of the most prestigious acting institutions in the world. Socratis graduated from ‘NIDA’ in 2000, and the following year he became involved in theater. Simultaneously, he began auditioning for film and television roles.
A profession of Otto
Socratis received his first opportunity in 2001 when he joined the renowned “Sydney Theatre Company” and began performing in their plays. In 2001, he made his acting debut in the play Salt, for which he received enormous acclaim. In the same year that his auditions began to bear fruit, he landed his first screen role. He had a minor part in the children’s television series ‘Outriders.’ He only appeared in one episode of the show.
In the same year, he played the roles of ‘Adam Grey’ and ‘Hugh’ in the Australian television medical drama ‘All Saints.’ He made his film debut in 2002 with the short film ‘Running Down These Dreams.’ In the same year, he had a significant breakthrough in his career when he appeared in the television drama ‘Young Lions.’ He portrayed ‘Justin Carmody’ in the short-lived television series. Nevertheless, his work was admired.
The subsequent year, he was offered a minor part in the American science-fiction film The Matrix Reloaded. Even though he played a minor role as an operator in the film, he had ample opportunities to network with other industry professionals. The film’s immense critical and commercial success enhanced his career. In 2003, he portrayed a pivotal character in the Australian film The Rage in Placid Lake. The film was an unremarkable box-office success.
In 2006, he was offered the part of ‘Detective Mentieth’ in the Australian adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic novel ‘Macbeth.’ The film was well-received by critics but performed poorly at the box office.
In 2008, Socratis portrayed a leading role in the independent film ‘Monkey Puzzle’ and then appeared in the short film ‘Eleven.’ In the same year, he appeared in another short film, titled ‘Residue,’ and had a minor role in the feature film ‘The Last Confession of Alexander Pearce.’ After a seven-year absence from television, he made his return in 2009 with a supporting role in the miniseries ‘False Witness’ as ‘Shannon Cross.’
In the same year, he portrayed ‘Charles Darwin’ in the mini-documentary series Darwin’s Brave New World. Soon after, he secured a starring role in the serial opera ‘Home and Away.’ He gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of ‘Robert Robertson in the serial opera. His involvement lasted three years and encompassed 37 episodes. The show’s tremendous success helped Socratis obtain better assignments.
Soon thereafter, he landed a part in the superhero film ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine,’ starring fellow Australian actor Hugh Jackman. Although the film was widely panned by critics, it was a box-office success in his native Australia. Then, Socratis appeared in the short films ‘In Hearts Left Behind’ and ‘Nightwalking.’ Socratis appeared as a guest star in three television series in 2010: ‘The Pacific,’ ‘Miracles,’ and ‘Dance Academy.’ In the same year, he appeared in the independent low-budget film ‘Anyone You Want.’
In 2012, Socratis played a minor role in the television series ‘Rake’ and also appeared in the American thriller ‘Gone.’
In 2013, Socratis had recurring roles in ‘The Doctor Blake Mysteries,’ ‘Paper Giants: Magazine Wars,’ and ‘Serangoon Road.’ In 2014, he was offered a significant role in the American–Australian science-fiction horror film ‘I, Frankenstein.’ The film featured him as the valiant warrior “Zuriel.” The film garnered abysmal reviews from critics but still managed to perform well at the box office.
Socratis quickly landed a career-defining role in the film ‘My Mistress.’ He portrayed ‘Leon,’ a pivotal figure in the film. In the same year, he was cast in the renowned Australian television drama ‘Wentworth.’ The series featured him as ‘Maxine Conway,’ a transgender. His performance was universally praised. Following this, he played a pivotal role in the 2018 film ‘Enter the Wild.’
Individual Life Socratis Otto has maintained silence regarding his relationship status. His performance as a transgender in ‘Wentworth’ was so convincing that his admirers began to believe he was gay. In an interview, he clarified that he was a heterosexual male. There have been rumors that he might be married, but no conclusive evidence exists. In his spare time, he enjoys gathering with his friends in bars and clubs.
Estimated Net Worth
Socratis is one of Australia’s wealthiest television actors. According to our analysis, Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider, Socratis Otto has a $5 million net worth.