Aljin Abella
Biography
Aljin Abella, born on July 27, 1985, in the Philippines, is an accomplished Australian actor of Filipino descent whose versatile career spans film, television, and, most notably, a vibrant presence in musical theatre. Known for his charismatic performances and adaptable talent, Abella has become a respected figure in the Australian entertainment industry.
Early Life and Training: Abella's journey into acting began at a young age, with his first professional job in the Australian television show High Flyers in 1999. To further his craft, he underwent rigorous training at the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Australia, graduating in 2006. This foundational education equipped him with the skills to tackle a wide array of characters and genres.
Career Breakthroughs and Highlights:
Television & Film: While Abella has a diverse screenography, he is perhaps best known internationally for his role as Theo Martin, the Blue Ranger, in the popular children's action series Power Rangers Jungle Fury (2008). He appeared in all 32 episodes of the show, making him a recognizable face to a global audience.
His other notable television and film credits include:
- The Artful Dodger (2023) is the recurring character Flashbang.
- The Doctor Blake Mysteries (2013).
- Legacy of the Silver Shadow (2002).
- Guinevere Jones (2002).
- I Love You Too (2010).
- Underbelly Files: The Man Who Got Away (2011).
- The web series Hunter n' Hornet (2014), for which he received nominations for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy at the IAWTV and Raindance Independent Awards.
Musical Theatre and Stage: Abella has a particularly strong and celebrated career in Australian musical theatre and stage productions, showcasing his singing, dancing, and acting talents.
- He made his significant stage debut in 2005 as Joe in "The Sapphires" with the Melbourne Theatre Company and Belvoir productions, a role he reprised for tours to London and Korea.
- He reprised the title role in "Monkey: Journey to the West" for Bell Shakespeare and Theatre of Image in 2015.
- He has taken on prominent roles in major Disney theatrical productions in Australia, including Iago in "Aladdin" (2016) and Weselton in "Frozen: The Musical" (2020-2021).
- His extensive theatre credits also include productions like "La Cage Aux Folles" (for which he was nominated for a Green Room Award for Best Supporting Actor in Musical Theatre in 2014), "The Good Person of Szechuan," "Anything Goes" (for Opera Australia), "Three Sisters," "The Laramie Project," and "Shakespeare in Love" (Melbourne Theatre Company).
Versatility and Continued Work: Aljin Abella's career demonstrates a remarkable range, moving effortlessly between the high-octane action of Power Rangers to the nuanced characters in acclaimed theatre productions and the gritty realism of Australian dramas. His dedication to his craft and his ability to embody diverse roles have solidified his position as a dynamic and enduring presence in the Australian entertainment industry. With upcoming projects like the film Together (2025), Abella continues to expand his impressive body of work.