Jules Robertson
Jules Robertson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Julius Robertson 1991 (age 32–33) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2014–present |
| Family | Geoffrey Robertson Kathy Lette (parents) |
Julius Robertson (born 1991)[1] is a British actor, best known for his role as Jason Haynes in the BBC medical drama Holby City. Both Robertson and the character of Jason have Autism.
Career
[edit]When he was eighteen, Robertson decided to become an actor. He enrolled at Regent's University, London, becoming their first known autistic pupil. He subsequently won a college award for excellence. He later joined Access All Areas, which solely represents neurodivergent actors.[1]
Holby City
[edit]In 2015, Robertson was cast in the semi-regular role of Jason Haynes in Holby City, becoming one of the first autistic actors to actually play a neurodivergent role in a major BBC drama.[2] He continued to play the part up until the show's last episode in 2022. His performance received acclaim from critics and neurodivergent organisations.[3][4][5]
Robertson expressed hopes that his character would inspire further representation for those on the spectrum: “I hope that I'm seen as a role model. I hope that I'm encouraging people with other conditions or people who are on the spectrum and have autism or mild learning difficulties. If they watch me on Holby City I hope I'm showing them that it can happen for them and they shouldn't lose faith and hope.”[6]
Later work
[edit]Robertson has made guest appearances in Endeavour and Midsomer Murders.[1] He has expressed interest in playing a James Bond villain, and hopes to become the first neurodivergent actor to portray Hamlet.[1][7]
Personal life
[edit]Robertson was born in London.[8] Robertson's parents are barrister Geoffrey Robertson and author Kathy Lette.[9] He has a younger sister, Georgina.[10]
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Mad Cows | Boy in mothercare | Credited as Julius Robertson |
| 2016-2022 | Holby City | Jason Haynes | 49 episodes |
| 2017 | Air | Danny | Short film |
| 2021 | Endeavour | Debating Society President | Episode: “Colours” |
| 2021 | Love | Oscar | Short film |
| 2022 | Midsomer Murders | Charlie Cabot | Episode: “The Debt of Lies” |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Lette, Kathy (19 February 2023). "Drama schools rejected my son. He has just won his second best actor award". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
- ^ Robertson, Julius (3 October 2016). "Julius Robertson: 'Autistic people have extraordinary minds, this play will help you understand us more'". WhatsOnStage.com. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
- ^ "Drama shortlist". National Autistic Society. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
- ^ Shaw, Alan (12 August 2016). "Being autistic will not stop my acting career, says Holby City's Jules Robertson". The Sunday Post. (DC Thomson). Retrieved 1 March 2019.
- ^ "Talented Youth Patron Jules Robertson to appear in BBC's Holby City". Ambitious about Autism. 11 February 2016. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
- ^ "My role on Holby City helps change attitudes about autism – Jules". Scope. 29 June 2016. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
- ^ Robertson, Jules (18 October 2017). "Autistic People Are Acting Every Day - Acting Trying To Be Normal". www.huffingtonpost.co.uk. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
- ^ Purcell, Emma (27 May 2019). "Actor Jules Robertson on living with Asperger's and rising to fame in Holby City". disabilityhorizons.com. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
- ^ Wheatley, Jane (2 August 2014). "Author Two of us: Kathy Lette and Julius". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
- ^ Anderson, Shauna (27 June 2016). "Author Kathy Lette has penned a breathtaking post about her 25-year-old son with autism". Mamamia. Retrieved 14 June 2023.