Zac Burgess age has become a hot search topic in early 2026 as the young Australian actor continues his rapid rise with standout performances in major streaming series. Born on August 15, 2002, in Bellingen, New South Wales, Australia, Zac is 23 years old (turning 24 in August 2026). His youthful energy, natural charisma, and impressive range have made him one of the most promising talents in Australian entertainment—and increasingly on the global stage.
Best known for playing Eli Bell (the older version) in Netflix’s acclaimed Boy Swallows Universe (2024) and Lucien Belmont in Amazon Prime Video’s Cruel Intentions (2024), Zac has quickly gone from drama school graduate to fan-favorite leading man. In this detailed profile, we cover his age, career milestones, family background, and what’s next for this breakout star.
Who Is Zac Burgess? Quick Biography and Background
Zac Burgess is an Australian actor born and raised in the scenic town of Bellingen, NSW. He comes from an artistic family—his late father, Scott Burgess, was a well-known Australian actor (known for roles in Water Rats, 1915, and more) who passed away in 2016 at age 57. This family connection to the industry sparked Zac’s early interest in performing.
After high school, Zac pursued formal training, earning a Diploma in Acting from the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in Perth, where he relocated in 2021.
Early Life and Family: Son of a Late Australian Actor
Growing up in Bellingen, Zac had three siblings: sisters Nadia, Ella, and Lily. His father’s career exposed him to the world of acting from a young age, though Scott’s passing in 2016 was a significant personal loss that Zac has honored publicly through heartfelt social media tributes.
Zac has kept much of his family life private, focusing instead on his professional growth and honoring his roots.
Acting Journey: From Short Films to Breakout Roles
Zac made his professional debut in 2018 with the short film Bring Me Back. He followed with appearances in Totally Completely Fine (2023) and One Night (2023), building momentum before his major breakthroughs.
In 2024, he landed two high-profile roles:
- Eli Bell (older version) in Netflix’s Boy Swallows Universe—a critically praised limited series adaptation of Trent Dalton’s novel
- Lucien Belmont in Amazon Prime Video’s Cruel Intentions reboot (opposite Sarah Catherine Hook and Savannah Lee Smith)
These performances earned him widespread recognition and positioned him as a rising talent to watch.
Zac Burgess Age Breakdown: Birthdate and Current Age
Zac Burgess was born on August 15, 2002, making him 23 years old as of January 2026. He turns 24 later this year. His young age has been a frequent talking point in fan discussions (including fancasts for future MCU roles like Cyclops), as he brings fresh energy to mature, complex characters.
Major Roles: Boy Swallows Universe, Cruel Intentions & More
Zac’s breakout year was 2024:
- Boy Swallows Universe (Netflix) — Playing the teenage Eli Bell opposite stars like Simon Baker, Phoebe Tonkin, and Bryan Brown
- Cruel Intentions (Prime Video) — Taking on the Ryan Phillippe-inspired role of Lucien Belmont in this modern update
He has also appeared in shorts like Flightless Boy and Call, showing his range from drama to character-driven work.
Personal Life: Relationship and Private Side
Zac keeps his personal life low-key. He has been in a relationship with kinesiologist Leah Gersteling since at least late 2023 (they celebrated their first anniversary in December 2023). Leah has a background in mind-body medicine and even worked in the sound department for Boy Swallows Universe.
On social media (@zacburgess on Instagram), Zac shares glimpses of his life, including tributes to his father and casual moments with friends.
Zac Burgess Net Worth in 2026 – Earnings Estimate
Zac Burgess net worth is estimated at $500,000–$800,000 in early 2026. This comes primarily from acting roles in high-profile series, residuals from streaming hits, and emerging endorsement opportunities. As his profile grows, this figure is expected to rise significantly.
Future Projects and Rising Star Status
With strong reviews and growing buzz, Zac is poised for bigger roles. Fans have fancast him for superhero parts (like Cyclops in the MCU), and more projects are likely on the horizon as Hollywood takes notice of this young Australian talent.
Zac Burgess Age Compared to Co-Stars & Peers
| Aspect | Zac Burgess | Felix Cameron (Young Eli in BSU) | Savannah Lee Smith (Cruel Intentions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age in 2026 | 23–24 | Mid-teens | Early 20s |
| Breakthrough Role | Eli Bell (older) – 2024 | Eli Bell (young) – 2024 | Annie Grover – 2024 |
| Career Stage | Rapidly rising post-grad | Child/teen actor | Emerging alongside Zac |
| Notable Trait | Mature roles at young age | Emotional depth in early roles | Charismatic leading presence |
This comparison highlights how Zac’s age aligns perfectly with playing nuanced, coming-of-age characters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How old is Zac Burgess in 2026? Zac Burgess is 23 years old (born August 15, 2002), turning 24 in August 2026.
2. When was Zac Burgess born? He was born on August 15, 2002, in Bellingen, New South Wales, Australia.
3. Who is Zac Burgess’s father? His father was Australian actor Scott Burgess, who passed away in 2016 at age 57.
4. What is Zac Burgess best known for? He is best known for playing Eli Bell in Boy Swallows Universe (Netflix, 2024) and Lucien Belmont in Cruel Intentions (Prime Video, 2024).
5. Does Zac Burgess have a girlfriend? Yes—he has been in a relationship with kinesiologist Leah Gersteling since at least late 2023.
6. What is Zac Burgess’s net worth? His net worth is estimated at $500,000–$800,000 in 2026, primarily from acting roles and streaming residuals.
Conclusion
Zac Burgess age of 23 (in early 2026) perfectly captures the excitement around this young actor—he’s young enough to play relatable coming-of-age roles yet mature enough to deliver powerful, nuanced performances. From his roots in Bellingen to breakout roles on Netflix and Prime Video, Zac is quickly becoming one of Australia’s most promising exports to global screens. Keep an eye on him; 2026 and beyond look very bright.
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