Jacob Elordi’s ascent to Hollywood stardom feels almost meteoric, but for Alison Kilgour, his former drama teacher, it’s a journey she’s witnessed firsthand. From a dedicated student at St Joseph’s Nudgee College in Brisbane, to an Oscar nominee, Elordi’s trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable.
Kilgour recalls a palpable “buzz” around the school as Elordi’s career blossomed, beginning withThe Kissing Boothand accelerating through roles inEuphoria,Elvis, and the controversialSaltburn. She remembers watchingSaltburnwith Jacob and his parents, a shared experience filled with nervous laughter during the film’s most talked-about moments.
The infamous bathtub scene, a focal point of much discussion, proved particularly amusing for the family. Kilgour described the shared giggles as a direct echo of the classroom, a reminder of Elordi’s natural charisma and willingness to embrace challenging material.
Kilgour’s connection to the Elordi family runs deeper than a teacher-student relationship; she’s a close friend of Jacob’s mother, Melissa, who also worked at the school. This allowed her to share in the family’s joy when Jacob landed the role of Frankenstein, a moment she learned about just minutes after a celebratory phone call between Jacob and his mother.
Despite his global success, Elordi hasn’t forgotten his roots. He returned to Nudgee College to lead workshops for current drama students, generously sharing his expertise with those who idolized him. Kilgour remembers students hanging on his every word, captivated by his passion and insights.
Kilgour emphasizes that Elordi’s dedication to acting was evident even in his early years. He consistently sought opportunities to hone his craft, creating showreels and proactively submitting them to agents in the United States. His commitment was unwavering, a clear indication of the path he was determined to follow.
She describes him as an “old soul,” possessing a maturity and thoughtfulness beyond his years. He was a constant note-taker, always analyzing and refining his approach, demonstrating a level of dedication rarely seen in students his age.
Elordi’s success has had a ripple effect at Nudgee College, inspiring a new wave of students to pursue their own dramatic ambitions. Kilgour notes the students’ eagerness to understand his journey, asking how he achieved his dreams and seeking guidance from his example.
Central to Elordi’s success, Kilgour believes, is his strong family support. She speaks of his close relationship with his parents and sisters, highlighting their unwavering encouragement and grounding influence. He reportedly calls his mother constantly, a testament to their enduring bond.
As the Oscars approach, Kilgour expresses immense pride in her former student’s nomination. Regardless of the outcome, she celebrates his achievement as a remarkable milestone, a testament to his talent, dedication, and the power of pursuing one’s passion.
Elordi’s upcoming role inWuthering Heightsalongside Margot Robbie promises another exciting chapter in his career, but for Alison Kilgour, the most rewarding aspect remains witnessing the fulfillment of a young man’s dreams.
