You might have seen the Australian actor Bob Morley as Bellamy Blake in the long-running CW dystopian series The 100, but outside his incredible story and survival arc, you might be surprised by his other credits and achievements. Bob also openly spoke regarding personal struggles with mental health, hoping to spread awareness and light to those who are going through the same ordeal.
Above all else, one important fact that you must know about Bob Morley is that he's filled with kindness and warmth. Anyone who interacts with him on and offscreen can feel his compassion. It's a rarity when people encompass this quality, but it radiates—an aura unlike any other.
So, what else is there to know about Bob Morley? Continue your journey below!
Disclaimer: Subjects of mental illness are discussed. Read with caution.
Quick 10 facts about Bob Morley
From his early beginnings in Australia to becoming a mental health advocate, Morley has accomplished quite a bit. I believe that without challenges, though, we wouldn't be the vitals of strength that we are today or share our experiences in hopes of guiding others.
1. Bob Morley was born in Kyneton, Victoria, Australia
Bob was born in the Australian summer on December 20th, 1984, as Robert Alfred Morley to a Filipina mother and an Aussie father of Irish descent, who passed away before Bob was two years old. He's the youngest of four kids. Early in his life, Bob experienced racism, but to escape those issues, he turned to acting.
2. Bob being an actor wasn't his first acting choice
His original job focus was to be a geologist, but the requirement of licking rocks didn't satisfy his appetite. Instead, he switched his major from engineering to creative writing, obtaining his bachelor's from La Trobe University in Australia.
3. Bob's early career was in well-known Aussie productions
Several Australian actors usually begin their careers in the television medium. Liam and Chris Hemsworth have done it, Ryan Corr has done it, Heath Ledger has done it, Barbie's Margot Robbie has done it, and Bob Morley has done it.
His first major acting role was as the "cheeky" and rebellious teenager Drew Curtis on the long-running soap Home and Away from 2006 to 2008. Per The Age, Bob reflected on the role of his own teenage experience, which was "very strong-willed and stubborn and headstrong," and one of Drew's character's storylines, he was involved in a forbidden relationship with his girlfriend, Belle's (Jessica Tovey) mother, Amanda (Holly Brisley), which as you might have guessed, fizzled things out with Belle.
Following his Home and Away tenure, Bob was casted as Aiden Foster, an openly gay nurse on another hit soap, Neighbours. The portrayal of Aiden and his boyfriend Chris's (James Mason) relationship was the series' first featuring a same-sex couple.
He then had a one-time guest role on the drama, Sea Patrol in 2010
4. Bob starred in a string of Australian movies
The first film Bob starred in was the 2008 Aussie television drama film Scorched, playing a volunteer firefighter who takes on the dangerous Christmas bushfires.
Bob was then front and center in the 2010 Independent horror Road Train, playing a crazed killer named Craig who possessed the evil spirit of a multi-trailer train in the Outback. The Australian desert covers most of the country, so it's a pretty feral place to begin with. Add in a truck, and it's the stuff of nightmares.
Bob's performance was frightening and raw, and while I wasn't a fan of the film's narrative, he made it absorbing.
In 2013, Bob played Nick in the sports drama Blinder. The film's narrative centered around Australian football and its players.
5. Bob's first American series was The 100 on The CW (2014-2020)
Back when The CW Network was a treasure trove of groundbreaking programming, The 100 was a hidden gem, as it reeled not only a dystopian earth but also propelled the first bisexual lead on network TV, positive disability advocacy, and revealing environmental catastrophes following a second and nuclear war. Then, of course, the heavy shipping of characters comes with CW's territory.
Bob portrayed Bellamy Blake, the heart-lead and fast-minded leader of one hundred minor delinquents sent to the ground following lockup for crimes for all seven seasons. Bellamy's narrative was usually centered around Clarke Griffin (Eliza Taylor), his baby sister Octavia (Marie Avgeropoulos), and Echo (Tasya Teles), as his chemistry with these women was beyond phenomenal.
In season six, he directed the 11th episode, "Ashes to Ashes." His vision in the episode and the series expanded his talents in creative media and storytelling talent. Additionally, "Ashes to Ashes" uncovered a hidden gem in the Bellarke relationship, as Bellamy watched Clarke awaken after he literally breathed life back into her.
It was later revealed that according the script, Bellamy and Clarke were supposed to get together, but their romance didn't make it on screen.
Bellamy's death close to the series finale was met with heavy disapproval and heartbreak from the fans. It might be just me, but his death served as a prominent storyline for the remaining three episodes, proving that "he was right" all along and finally finding his version of peace.
Then, there are the magical moments between Clarke and Bellamy that can't be replicated or faded out; they're interlocked in TV history despite their characters not being canonical.
If you were to tell me back in 2013 that another TV show (other than The Simpsons) would grasp my life, I would've probably dismissed the idea. But thanks to a bout of anxiety, I came across the promo while channel flipping, and I was incredibly entranced.
For the curious, The 100 is currently on Netflix.
6. Bob guest-starred in ABC's The Rookie (2021)
After wrapping up The 100, Bob guest-starred as Half-Life on the ABC cop procedural in its season 3 finale of ABC'sThe Rookie in 2021. Titled "Threshold," Half-Life was a member of an LA criminal drug ring and was considered "dangerous." The character had the talent for turning blood into ice due to his sinister demeanor, and let's be honest here: Half-Life scared me but in a good way.
But here's the real creep factor. In 2008, Bob portrayed a rookie in the short-lived Australian drama The Strip, adding more of an evil edge to Half-Life and his morals. It was a good gamble for The Rookie, as the series was in renewal limbo, and many speculated that Bob and his costar, Alain Uy, were responsible for its survival.
The Rookie "Threshold" can be streamed on Hulu.
7. Bob gets the romantic lead in Love Me (2021-2023)
For those of us who dreamed of having Bob as our romantic partner (show-wise), our dreams came true when he was cast as Peter K. in the Binge (Australia) drama Love Me. Peter was a single dad working professionally as a model, but still desired to have a life partner. He found that partner in Clara, an anesthesiologist and a member of the Matheson family, who are on their own romantic journeys in different generational brackets.
The first season was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, showing a quieter version of the otherwise busy city of Melbourne, Australia.
Throughout the two seasons, we witnessed the intense love between Peter and Clara and their goals of expanding their family. Of course, every relationship has its challenges, and "Plara" had their shares, as any committed couple, but the challenges only made them stronger.
Due to its talent and romantic themes, the drama received several AACTA Awards and Logie nominations and won three, including "Best Lead Actor," "Best Supporting Actress," and won the Silver Logie for "Best Outstanding Actress." Love Me is currently up again for two Logies, and the winners will be chosen next month at the August 18th, 2024 ceremony.
It's a shame that Love Me wasn't picked up for a third season, as I wanted to see if a baby came into the picture.
Love Me can be streamed on Hulu.
8. Bob co-starred again with Eliza Taylor in I'll Be Watching
Bob reunited with Eliza (and wife) in the suspenseful 2023 sci-fi thriller I'll Be Watching, playing a married couple, Marcus and Julie, whose marriage is on the rocks. Julie is a successful artist, while Marcus is a technology prodigy who's the mastermind behind an elaborate home security named HERA.
Following the death of her sister during a horrific home invasion, Julie becomes dependent on a dangerous elixir of alcohol and pain pills, only to discover that her doctor has been pushing her to consume more of the latter. Sinister events occur when Marcus leaves on a "business" trip, and Julie is fighting for her life. It dawns on Julie that her husband is having an extramarital affair, and she plans to leave him.
I'll close the film's summary at that point since it dives deep into ominous depths. But despite the ending, Bob and Eliza gave outstanding performances. While it wasn't the fairytale we all wanted since Bellarke didn't happen (maybe in our hearts), having them on-screen together again was a gift.
As a fun fact, Eliza was pregnant during the filming of I'll Be Watching.
I'll Be Watching can be streamed across multiple platforms.
9. Bob is a mental health advocate and dealt with his personal battles
Bob had his share of coping with mental health struggles, but instead of leaning on their negative landscapes, he shifts them more into a positive focus in hopes of reaching others that they're not alone in their personal fights. He released three successful campaigns to raise funds for various nonprofits, including NAMI and Beyond Blue.
When speaking with podcaster and influencer Tommy DiDario on his weekly podcast, "I've Never Said This Before," Bob revealed that he fought with body dysmorphia and an eating disorder in his younger years. Body Dysmorphia is a condition where one's perception of their body is viewed as something not right when it's acceptable to others, and usually, eating disorders are linked with the condition.
In the podcast, Bob revealed that he's working towards being a better version of himself and shared that we should find peace even though the struggle is there.
"It’s something that I’ll have to work on and learn to be kind to myself, but I think it comes in many different forms, and just trying to find that peace within yourself. I think a lot of people go through this on a day-to-day basis, and it’s unrelenting, this kind of perception of self. I think we’re all going through that struggle, and it’d be nice to give ourselves some grace."
In my personal journey of mental health issues, I struggle with depression, an eating disorder, high-functioning anxiety, and body dysmorphia. I've been to high and low points with them, and while they tend to broadcast my day, I've concluded that the solution for me is to refocus on the good things in your life, even though that itself is a battle. With Bob's words, I'm not alone, and it's wonderful to have an advocate, as there are not enough voices in the matter.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please connect with the National Eating Disorders Association at NationalEatingDisorders.org or the National Alliance for Mental Illness at NAMI.org, for they'll help guide you.
10. Bob tackles comedy with a purpose with In Limbo
Bob and fellow Australian actor Ryan Corr have teamed up for the dramedy In Limbo. In the six-episode series, two men, Charlie (Ryan) and Nate (Bob), are best friends and have each other's back. When Nate commits suicide, Charlie has a hard time coping with his death. Yet, Nate is in a state of Limbo, meaning he can't cross over until he fixes what needs to be fixed. With Charlie still trying to accept his friend's passing, Nate pays him a visit in spirit form, which Charlie can only see.
Nate leaves behind a wife and a young daughter, and Charlie must be the strength to help the family in the grieving process. It's a sad situation, but it sheds light on men's personal journeys on mental health, and to lighten the overall darkness, comedy was infused to make the story more easier to tell.
Like Love Me, In Limbo was filmed in Australia, but in Sydney. The series has also been nominated for a Logie, and both men have been nominated for "Best Lead Actor."
The best part? In Limbo has been renewed for season two!
The show can be streamed on Hulu.
BONUS: Bob founds his own convention, Conageddon, with his The 100 costars
The 100 convention, Conageddon, was founded by Bob and two of his former co-stars, Eliza Taylor and Zach McGowan. The con aims to bring kindness and unity to the fandom, creating an intimate and up-close atmosphere. Each year since its initiation in 2018, the cast, the organizers, and the lovely Jo Garfein have taken that extra leap to make it memorable.
Moreover, Conageddon is hosted in Boston, where one can soak up American history, enjoy some out-of-the-moment experiences with The 100 cast, and make new friendships.
This year's 4th installment was the biggest one yet, with fifteen guests in attendance. They all shared memories of what it was like being on the groundbreaking show and what's coming next in their respective careers. For instance, Bob and Zach will star in the upcoming western Dearborn. This film has yet to be released.
For those who haven't experienced this fantastic event, Conageddon 5 will take place in March 2025. The guest roster has yet to be dropped, so here's your chance to attend.