TV Heartthrob Luke Mitchell’s Surprising Gay Film Debut

By Oliver Green


Luke Mitchell is one of TV’s hottest leading men, currently starring as Dr. Mitch Ripley on Chicago Med and known for heating up shows like Blindspot and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

But before this Australian heartthrob was making audiences swoon on prime-time television, he was steaming up the screen in a very different way – in his first-ever acting role as a gay character.

The year was 2007, and a fresh-faced Mitchell had just walked into an audition that would launch his career: a sultry indie film called Performance Anxiety.

The 2008 Australian gay-themed film, tells the story of an unlikely couple: Jeff (Joss Mars) and Peter (Luke Mitchell).

Performance Anxiety Luke joss

Jeff is a free-spirited, messy musician, while Peter is a tightly wound office worker with an obsessive streak. Their struggle for connection plays out in unique ways – Peter finding his release in steamy shower scenes, while Jeff escapes into a world of sensual, exotic dreams.

In an interview I did with the film’s director Paul Dangerfield a few years ago, he shared how this passion project came to life: “The film started as an idea of mine for which I wrote a basic premise,” Paul explained.

“The writer Josh Macphee picked it up, put a lot of the craziness in and hence we had a comic book style script that we wanted to bring to life. From there it was a labour of love for all involved.”

Paul Dangerfield director performance anxiety
Paul Dangerfield

But how did they land their future star? With just two weeks before production was set to begin and 14 hopefuls waiting in the wings, Luke Mitchell answered an open casting call.

“It was in early 2007 so this was his first real adventure with acting,” Paul revealed. “When I answered the door to Luke for his audition, I took one look and knew that if he was cool with the content, he was our Peter for the film.

“During the audition, we were totally open with Luke about the content, and he was cool with all that.

“As an actor, he has no fear, which I’m sure is why he has come so far in his career. He was a true professional from the get-go and a lot of fun to work with.”

Performance Anxiety Luke Mitchell bed 2

And boy, was that a stroke of casting genius. “Luke was a godsend for us, especially with reference to that amazing physique,” Paul shared.

“As a director, I tweaked the part to incorporate more nudity than previously written specifically to show off Luke’s assets.”

Then there’s that shower scene. It was Mitchell’s very first day on set. “It was just Luke, the cameraman and myself crammed into that small steamy bathroom,” Paul revealed. “I just told him what to do as we rolled and he complied without question.”

Performance Anxiety Luke Mitchell fan

For Mitchell, who’s straight (and has been happily married to his former Home and Away co-star Rebecca Breeds since 2013), playing gay was never an issue.

“Luke was all about being the character,” Paul explained. “During the more intimate scenes, I kept them fresh and not over-rehearsed so that their action felt more honest.

“Both lead actors are straight and quite amazing characters in their own right. They were never ashamed or self-conscious about any scenes in the movie and dove in head first without hesitation. I know Luke put in a lot of character work and took direction extremely well.”

Performance Anxiety Luke Mitchell bed

From this humble – if steamy – beginning, Mitchell’s career has soared.

He conquered Australian TV with roles in Neighbours and Home and Away before making his mark in the US with shows like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (as the super-powered Lincoln), Blindspot (as the complex Roman Briggs), The Code, and The Republic of Sarah.

He’s appeared in films like Without Remorse and taken on recurring roles in series like Legacies and Big Sky before landing his current role on Chicago Med.

Luke Mitchell 2022
Photo: Deposit Photos / Image Press Agency

Performance Anxiety made quite a splash at the Brisbane Queer Film Festival. “Many of the gay men in the audience wanted more intimate scenes from the actors,” Paul laughed. “Others loved it just as it was.

“The music from the film has been given much appreciation from audiences, and people were surprised to hear that I am singing lead vocals in some of the songs. But singer songwriter Julian Westerweel wrote and performed most of the backing tracks for which I am truly grateful.”

Looking at Mitchell’s impressive career now, from action-packed roles to dramatic performances, it’s fascinating to think it all started with this charming low-budget queer film.