Robert Alfred "Bob" Morley (born 20 December 1984) is an Australian actor. He is known for his role as Bellamy Blake in The CW's The 100 (2014–2020).

Bob Morley
Morley in 2016
Born
Robert Alfred Morley

(1984-12-20) 20 December 1984 (age 39)
Other namesBobby Morley
OccupationActor
Years active2005–present
Known for
Spouse
(m. 2019)
Children1

He became known first as Drew Curtis in the Australian soap opera Home and Away (2006), appeared on the Australian music talent show It Takes Two in 2007, and joined the cast of drama series The Strip in 2008. He played Aidan Foster in Neighbours in 2011, and starred in the Australian sports drama film Blinder in 2013.

Early life and education

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Robert Alfred Morley[1] was born on 20 December 1984[2] and grew up on a farm in Kyneton, a town in Victoria, Australia. He is the son of a Filipina mother and an Australian–Irish father, who died when he was young.[3] Morley has two older sisters and one older brother.[2]

He studied drama at school all the way through to Year 11, until he was asked not to continue.[4] Morley told The Age that he was a "naughty" student and did not take things seriously.[4] After he completed year 12, he moved to Melbourne and began an engineering degree.[3] A year later, he decided to enrol in Creative Arts at the La Trobe University and got an agent.[2][3]

Career

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Morley was known as "Bobby" in his younger years and early career,[2] but is now professionally known as Bob Morley.[5] He began his career by acting in university plays, including Falling to Perfect and Tale From Vienna Woods, and short films.[2][4] He appeared in the 2005 low-budget horror film Dead Harvest, directed by Damian Scott,[2] and as an extra in the soap opera Neighbours. That year he got a part in Angels with Dirty Faces and his performance brought him to the attention of the Home and Away casting directors.[4] Morley joined the cast of Home and Away as Drew Curtis in 2006.[4] For his role as Drew, Morley was nominated for the Most Popular New Male Talent Logie Award.[6]

He appeared in the second series of the Australian celebrity singing competition series It Takes Two in May 2007. On 12 June 2007, he received his highest score but was voted off. In 2008, Morley departed Home and Away, and was cast as Tony Moretti in the Nine Network action drama series The Strip.[7] The series was cancelled due to low ratings after its first series. Morley went on to appear in Nine Network's television film Scorched (2008).[3] Morley was nominated for Cleo magazine's "Bachelor of the Year" award.[8] In 2009, he starred as Lorca in the play Palindrome for a Dead Poet. The following year, Morley featured in season four of Sea Patrol, in the fifth episode titled "Paradise Lost".[9]

In 2011, he starred in the Australian thriller Road Train, directed by Dean Francis.[10] In June 2011, it was announced that Morley had joined the cast of Neighbours as Aidan Foster, a love interest for Chris Pappas.[11] Morley and Mason's characters formed the show's first gay couple.[11] Morley took a ten-week break from the soap to appear in Blinder, a feature film about Australian rules football.[12] He returned to the set of Neighbours in early June 2012.[12] Morley joined the cast of drama film Lost in The White City in 2013.[13] That year, he was cast as Bellamy Blake in The CW's The 100.[14] In 2018, Morley completed the Warner Bros. Television Directors’ Workshop.[15] The same year, he directed episode 6:11 Ashes to Ashes of The 100.[16]

He appeared in the third season of police procedural The Rookie in 2021.[17] Morley played a supporting role in the Australian romantic drama series Love Me, a two seasons adaptation of the Swedish series Älska Mig, featuring an ensemble cast including Hugo Weaving and Bojana Novakovic.[18][19] In 2023, Morley and Eliza Taylor star together as Marcus and Julie in the sci-fi thriller film I'll Be Watching, directed by Erik Bernard. The film is released on digital platforms.[20][21][22]

Morley will appear in the television adaptation of Sally Hepworth's novel The Family Next Door for the ABC, which is being filmed in Victoria.[23]

Philanthropy

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On 21 September 2016, he tweeted fans a link to purchase a shirt that he designed[24] to raise funds for Beyond Blue, an Australian organisation that provides information and support for Australians' mental health.[25][additional citation(s) needed] He designed another shirt in 2017, in which the campaign proceeds were donated to the JED Foundation, a non-profit for the protection of emotional health and the prevention of suicide.[26]

In September 2017, he joined fellow The 100 cast mates to participate in the BC Children's Hospital Benefit Soccer match in Vancouver, Canada.[27][28]

Personal life

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Bob Morley and his wife, Eliza Taylor

Morley addressed being fat-shamed and facing depression after having knee surgery in 2018.[29]

On 5 May 2019, Morley married his The 100 co-star Eliza Taylor. They announced the marriage on 7 June 2019.[30] In early 2020, Morley and Taylor revealed that she had a miscarriage while filming the final season of The 100.[31] In September 2019, Morley shared that he had attempted suicide several times.[32]

In February 2022, Taylor and Morley announced via Instagram that they were expecting a child.[33] Their son was born in March 2022.[34]

In 2024, Morley revealed in the I've Never Said This Before podcast with Tommy Didario that he has struggled with body dysmorphia his entire life and he had an eating disorder while he was a teenager. Taylor concurred that she witnessed it, saying "He'll literally be looking at himself in the mirror and seeing something that isn't there. And I go, 'What are you talking about? You're so fit and beautiful'."[35]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
2010 Road Train Craig
2013 Blinder Nick
2014 Lost in the White City Avi
2023 I'll Be Watching Marcus
2023 Death on the Dearborn James Lee Post-production

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2006–2008 Home and Away Drew Curtis Main cast (seasons 19–21)
2007 It Takes Two Himself Season 2
2008 Scorched Brendan Television film
2008 The Strip Tony Moretti Main cast (season 1)
2010 Sea Patrol Sean Episode: "Paradise Lost"
2011–2013 Neighbours Aidan Foster Recurring (seasons 27–29)
2014–2020 The 100 Bellamy Blake Main role (seasons 1–7, 97 episodes); Also director, episode: "Ashes to Ashes".
2016 Winners & Losers Ethan Quinn Episode: "Cold Hard Bitch"
2021 The Rookie Half-Life Episode: "Threshold"
2021 - 2023 Love Me Peter K Miniseries (2 seasons)
2023 In Limbo Nate Miniseries, written by Lucas Taylor, aired on ABC[36]
2025 The Family Next Door TBA

Awards and nominations

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Year Association Category Work / nominee Result Ref.
2007 Logie Awards Most Popular New Male Talent Home and Away Nominated [6]
2015 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor: Fantasy/Sci-Fi The 100 Nominated [37]
2016 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV: Chemistry (shared with Eliza Taylor) Nominated [38]
2017 Teen Choice Awards Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actor Nominated [39]
2018 Teen Choice Awards Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actor Nominated [40]
2019 Teen Choice Awards Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actor Nominated [41]
2024 AACTA Awards Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Love Me Nominated [42]
Logie Awards Best Lead Actor in a Comedy In Limbo Nominated [43]

References

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  1. ^ "Bob Morley". en.24smi.org. 1 October 2019. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Bobby Morley". Yahoo!7. Archived from the original on 6 January 2007. Retrieved 20 June 2011.
  3. ^ a b c d Kalina, Paul (9 October 2008). "An actor going through a stage". The Age. p. 16. Archived from the original on 5 June 2012. Retrieved 20 June 2011.
  4. ^ a b c d e Gallagher, Heather (13 August 2006). "Yak Attack – Bobby Morley, 21, actor". The Age. p. 29. Archived from the original on 5 June 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2011.
  5. ^ "Bob Morley". Showcast. Archived from the original on 6 May 2023. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Logie Award nominations". The Sydney Morning Herald. 2 April 2007. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2011.
  7. ^ Ellis, Scott (21 September 2008). "Star sheds teen image". The Sun-Herald. p. 5. Archived from the original on 2 June 2014. Retrieved 20 June 2011.
  8. ^ "Cleo announces Top 50 Bachelors of 2008". Perth Now. 18 February 2008. Archived from the original on 24 April 2023. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  9. ^ Creepy, Uncle (5 November 2009). "AFM: Take the Road Train to Terror". Dreadcentral.com. Archived from the original on 27 September 2012. Retrieved 19 March 2014.
  10. ^ Creepy, Uncle (7 July 2010). "New Clip and Stills from Road Kill". Dreadcentral.com. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 19 March 2014.
  11. ^ a b Dennehy, Luke (19 June 2011). "TV soap introduces new gay character". Herald Sun. Archived from the original on 1 January 2020. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
  12. ^ a b "Bob Morley nurses sharper hair cut". Herald Sun. 11 June 2012. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
  13. ^ "Indie Drama 'The White City' Casts Thomas Dekker, Haley Bennett & Bob Morley". Deadline Hollywood. PMC). 25 April 2013. Archived from the original on 14 December 2013. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  14. ^ Ng, Philiana; Goldberg, Lesley (21 February 2013). "The CW's 'Hundred' Casts Aussie Soap Star and 'Emily Owens' Actor (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 28 June 2018. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  15. ^ "Bob Morley | Television Workshop". Archived from the original on 30 May 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  16. ^ Coley, Samantha (25 July 2019). "The 100 Review: Ashes to Ashes (Season 6 Episode 11)". telltaletv.com.
  17. ^ Houghton, Rianne (14 May 2021). "The 100 star Bob Morley confirmed for The Rookie in TV return". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 14 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  18. ^ Frater, Patrick (14 August 2021). "Hugo Weaving Stars in 'Love Me' Warner Television-Aquarius Series Shooting in Australia (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on 14 August 2021. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  19. ^ "Bob Morley: Love Me star on sex scenes, marriage and Hollywood fame". perthnow.com.au. Andrei Harmsworth. 25 April 2023. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  20. ^ Wiseman, Andreas (4 February 2022). "'The 100' Stars Eliza Taylor & Bob Morley Set For Sci-Fi Thriller 'I'll Be Watching' — EFM". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 4 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  21. ^ Foertsch, Rachel (2 April 2023). "Eliza Taylor Faces Off Against Home Invader In I'll Be Watching Trailer". Screen Rant. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  22. ^ "Eliza Taylor Stars in The Nail Biting Thriller I'll Be Watching Acquired by Uncorkd Entertainment". andersonvision.com. Troy Anderson. 23 April 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  23. ^ Knox, David (22 November 2024). "Production underway on The Family Next Door". TV Tonight. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  24. ^ Represent.com. "Bob Morley – Official Tee". represent.com. Archived from the original on 25 April 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  25. ^ "beyondblue". beyondblue.org.au. Archived from the original on 8 May 2021. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  26. ^ Represent.com. "Bob Morley's "What's Wrong With Chaos" Tee". represent.com. Archived from the original on 25 April 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  27. ^ "Bob Morley on Twitter". Twitter. Archived from the original on 12 May 2022. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  28. ^ Williams, Rob (7 September 2017). "Archie from Riverdale to play in charity soccer match at BC Place". Daily Hive. Archived from the original on 25 April 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  29. ^ "'The 100's' Bob Morley Sounds off About Fat Shaming, Depression on Social Media". CBS News. 3 March 2019. Archived from the original on 21 April 2023. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  30. ^ Kile, Meredith (7 June 2019). "'The 100' Stars Eliza Taylor and Bob Morley Announce They're Married!". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on 31 May 2020. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  31. ^ Coley, Samantha (5 February 2020). "Everything We Learned at Unity Days 2020, Including Teasers for 'The 100' Season 7". Tell-Tale TV. Archived from the original on 29 September 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  32. ^ Morin, Alyssa (25 September 2019). "The 100's Bob Morley Shares He's Attempted Suicide Multiple Times". Enews. Archived from the original on 20 August 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  33. ^ Bjornson, Greta (8 February 2022). "The 100 Stars Bob Morley and Eliza Taylor Expecting Baby: 'We Cannot Wait!'". People. Archived from the original on 8 February 2022. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  34. ^ Powers, Catie (21 March 2022). "Home and Away alum Bob Morley and Neighbours star Eliza Taylor welcome their first child". TV Week. Archived from the original on 22 March 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  35. ^ Etienne, Vanessa (8 July 2024). "'Bob Morley Reveals 'Brutal' Body Dysmorphia, Past Eating Disorder: 'It's Unrelenting' (Exclusive)". People Magazine. Archived from the original on 19 July 2024. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  36. ^ In Limbo at IMDb
  37. ^ "Teen Choice Awards 2015 Winners: Full List". Variety. 16 August 2015. Archived from the original on 10 January 2016. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  38. ^ Takeda, Allison (1 August 2016). "Teen Choice Awards 2016: All the Nominees and Winners!". Us Magazine. Archived from the original on 10 January 2017. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  39. ^ Vulpo, Mike (13 August 2017). "Teen Choice Awards 2017 Winners: The Complete List". E!. Archived from the original on 30 January 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  40. ^ "Teen Choice Awards 2018: The Complete Winners List". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on 12 May 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  41. ^ "Lil Nas X & Post Malone Lead 2019 Teen Choice Awards Nominations: See the List". Billboard. Archived from the original on 23 June 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  42. ^ "AACTA Awards 2024 - Winners & Nominees". AACTA. 10 February 2024. Archived from the original on 10 February 2024. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  43. ^ Knox, David (23 June 2024). "Logie Awards 2024: nominations". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 24 June 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
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