Hal Cumpston facts for kids

Hal Cumpston is an Australian actor, producer, and writer. He is known for his roles in TV shows like The Walking Dead: World Beyond and Nine Perfect Strangers. He also wrote and starred in his own film, Bilched.

Hal's Early Life and School Days

Hal Cumpston grew up in Sydney, Australia. He went to Waverley College where he really enjoyed drama classes. Both of his parents work in the film industry. His dad, Jeremy Cumpston, is an actor and director. His mom, Rachel Lane, produces documentaries. Hal also has Indigenous Australian heritage from his dad's family, specifically the Barkandji people.

In his final year of high school, Hal was chosen for "OnStage." This program celebrates the best drama performances by high school students. He was also a finalist in the "Class Clowns" competition. This is a big stand-up comedy contest for young people in Australia.

Hal's Acting and Writing Career

Creating His First Film: Bilched

After finishing school, Hal wrote a comedy movie script called "Bilched." His dad helped him get the money and direct the film. Hal's high school friends, Ewen and James, helped produce it. His younger brothers and friends were also part of the cast. Some well-known actors like Alex Williamson and Rhys Muldoon joined too.

Hal wanted to make a good Australian teen comedy. He felt there weren't many around. He wrote the first draft of the script in less than two weeks. In 2018, they filmed "Bilched" in Sydney in just 21 days. The movie is about a character named Hal who tries out for a drama school. The film won several awards at the 2019 Chelsea Film Festival. These included Best Screenplay and Best Feature Film.

Starring in The Walking Dead: World Beyond

Just three weeks after finishing "Bilched," Hal got an email about an audition in America. He wasn't sure if it was real at first! Actress Jenni Baird had seen an article about Hal and his family. She told her partner, writer-director Michael Petroni, who knew someone in a casting office.

Hal recorded a video audition for the role of Silas in The Walking Dead: World Beyond. He got the part! In the show, Silas is a teenager trying to survive in a world changed by a global pandemic. They filmed the series in Richmond, Virginia, in the United States.

Other TV Shows and Future Plans

In 2021, Hal played Zachary in the series Nine Perfect Strangers. He acted alongside famous stars like Nicole Kidman, Asher Keddie, and Melissa McCarthy. The show is about a group of people at a health retreat. They are trying to find a better life, but they face many challenges.

Hal is currently working on writing more comedy movies. He is inspired by famous writers and directors like Seth Rogen, Quentin Tarantino, and Evan Goldberg. In 2022, it was announced that Hal would be in the SBS legal drama Safe Home. He plays the character Max Kerr in the show.

Hal's Filmography

Television Performances

Film Performances