Meet Drew Starkey, the rising star sharing intimate scenes with Daniel Craig in Queer

Sep 10 , 2024

Thanks to his much talked about role opposite Daniel Craig in new film Queer, actor Drew Starkey is about to hit the big time. Photo: AFP

The 30-year-old actor, ‘internet’s boyfriend’ and Loewe front-row fave just attended the Queer premiere with co-star Daniel Craig in Venice

Amid the quaint strains of swing music, the camera follows William Lee (played by Daniel Craig) into a bar, capturing a close shot of him downing a shot before shifting focus to Eugene Allerton (played by Drew Starkey), where their eyes meet.

Drew Starkey, Italian director Luca Guadagnino and actor Daniel Craig at the premiere of film Queer during the 81st annual Venice International Film Festival. Photo: EPA-EFE

This moment marks the beginning of their interaction in Queer – and it won’t be their last. Set in 1940s Mexico City, the film adaptation of the 1985 novel follows their evolving relationship and features intimate scenes between the outcast American expat (Craig) and the young student.

Having premiered last week at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, the historical romance drama garnered notable attention, even earning an 11-minute ovation from the festival’s audience.

Drew Starkey has been already been dubbed an “internet boyfriend” and his star is on the rise. Photo: EPA-EFE

While director Luca Guadagnino is widely recognised for his work on Challengers and Call Me by Your Name, and Craig is best known as James Bond, Starkey, 30, is still a relatively new face in Hollywood. Here’s what you need to know about the rising star.

Who are Drew Starkey’s parents?

Drew Starkey is from North Carolina. Photo: @drewstarkey/Instagram

Starkey was born and raised in North Carolina, and is the son of current Kent State women’s basketball coach Todd Starkey, as reported by British GQ. He is the eldest of four siblings.

In an interview with Pop Culturalist, Starkey shared that his passion for the arts began in childhood, influenced by his musical family. His grandpa was an opera singer on Broadway in the late 50s, and his uncle opened an opera house in his home state.

How did Drew Starkey get into acting?

Drew Starkey says his family always had a passion for the arts. Photo: @drewstarkey/Instagram

Surrounded by the arts from a young age, Starkey enrolled in his school and community theatre programmes. His senior school theatre class further developed his passion. “That’s where I think it started,” he told Pop Culturalist.