If you watched “Love on the Spectrum", chances are you already know and love Michael Theo. After charming audiences on the show, the 31-year-old has gone on to lead ABC’s comedy “Austin”, which has just returned for a second season.
Image source: Ramona magazine.
The series follows Austin, a young neurodivergent man who shows up unannounced to meet a controversial children’s book author, claiming to be his son.
Michael not only plays the title role, but he also works behind the scenes as a script consultant, helping make sure Austin’s character is grounded in lived experience, not stereotypes.
Now nominated for a 2025 Silver Logie for Best Lead Actor, Michael is proud of what “Austin” represents – not just for him, but for the broader Autistic community.
We caught up with Michael to chat about what it’s like playing a lead character, how he helped shape the show behind the scenes, and why authentic representation matters.
You star in the ABC series “Austin”. What was it like playing a lead role in a TV show?
Playing the title character in a television series was a huge honour and a lot of fun. It was something I'd never done before, and it’s a very honourable pedestal to be on. You also get to work with amazing people you never thought you'd have the chance to work with. Filming Austin, Seasons 1 and 2, was a fun experience from start to finish.
How did you get involved in the show?
I was previously on a show called “Love on the Spectrum”, which is a documentary/ dating show for people on the spectrum. Director Darren Ashton and co-creator of “Austin” saw me on [that show] and showed the footage to his friend Ben Miller (actor who plays Austin’s father). They thought: “He’s charismatic. Do you think he can act?”
Image source: ITV Studios Instagram.
They came up with the idea of me playing this character who’s neurodivergent and turns up on someone's doorstep claiming to be their son. And the whole series evolved from that idea.
I had some input as a script consultant, providing feedback on what could be done to make the story better. I was also asked a lot of questions about my lived experiences to help shape the character.
I made it very clear from the very beginning that Austin should not be a stereotype of autism. I wanted him to be an authentic portrayal of an Autistic character.
How did the team at “Austin” create an Autistic-friendly set?
They asked me questions like: What do you need? What can we do to accommodate you? But the thing is, I didn’t need much because I’m pretty flexible.
I did say I would need a quiet area where I can have some time out if I become overwhelmed, especially if there was a lot of noise. Sounds and lights don't bother me much.
You acted alongside some big names in comedy. What did you learn from that experience?
I actually learned a lot of things from my co-stars – to the point that I actually can't remember everything they told me! But one of the biggest takeaways was not to get too frustrated with myself when I miss a line or get it wrong.
What do you hope people take away from seeing the show?
What I hope that people take away from “Austin” is that people on the spectrum can fulfil their dreams and reach their full potential in whatever they do in life.
I see people on the spectrum as peach pits. How can a peach pit ever become a tree if you never give it the chance to grow? By giving people on the spectrum a chance to grow, they'll be able to reach their full potential, and live out their dreams – just like I am.
Do you feel it's important that neurodivergent characters are played by neurodivergent actors?
Yes, it’s extremely important. If an Autistic character is played by an actor that's not Autistic, how can the portrayal be authentic? A neurotypical actor doesn't have the lived experiences to properly flesh out the character.
Autistic characters should be played by Autistic actors, because they do have lived experiences. People on the spectrum need to be given a chance to do what they want to do. After all, they want to live their life on their own terms, right?
Image source: Northern Pictures.
You’re nominated for a Logie which is huge. How did it feel when you found out?
I was actually quite surprised when I found out, though my mother saw it coming. I don’t know how my mother saw it coming, she just did!
And what are you looking forward to most about the Logies?
I'm really looking forward to seeing if I hopefully get the win – but also just meeting everyone there! Especially people like Kitty Flanagan and Julia Zemiro.
Austin (Season 2) is now streaming on ABC iview. You can also vote for Michael and the TV show for this year’s TV Week Logie Awards.