Australians in Film (AiF) has announced New South Wales actor Jonathan Ragdy as the winner of the inaugural On The Rise | The Actor’s Edition initiative aims to give Australian actors without US representation the opportunity to be seen by top talent managers.
Ragdy, who has appeared in numerous short films and had a recurring role on Network 10 and Paramount UK’s crime drama North Shore, was selected from a pool of 100 applications in a process led by Hollywood management companies including Artists First, Echo Lake Entertainment, Stride Management and More Medavoy Management.
Actors who applied took part this week in an exclusive online masterclass with Blumhouse casting director Terry Taylor, with Australian actor Damon Herriman also joining the conversation, offering insight from his extensive international career.
As part of the prize money, Ragdy will have an additional 30-minute meeting with Taylor and Herriman and receive exposure across AiF’s digital platforms.
He described the choice as “pretty wild,” adding that it hasn’t fully sunk in yet.
“This recognition is extremely humbling and the support from everyone at Australians in Film has been fantastic,” he told IF.
“They have built a strong community for Australian actors both in Australia and Los Angeles and I am so grateful to be a part of that. I am truly honored to have been chosen and am so excited to continue moving forward and make the most of this opportunity.”
With support from the Golden Globe Foundation, Rising | Actor’s Edition is scheduled to return in 2026 and AiF will provide more details soon.
