Throughout his decades-long career, Murray Bartlett has remained consistent in a few key ways. Known for his talent as a soap opera actor and for being openly gay, Bartlett has used these two facets of his identity to bring depth and authenticity to a wide range of roles. From his appearances on classic daytime television like Guiding Light (CBS 1952–2009) and All My Children (ABC 1970–2011), to more vibrant, memorable characters in shows such as Sex and the City (HBO 1998–2004) and Looking (HBO 2014–15), Murray Bartlett has consistently made an impact.
Bartlett’s journey in acting began in Australia, the country where he was born and raised. In his late teens, he enrolled at the National Institute of Dramatic Art to study acting, and soon after, he began making appearances on various Australian television programs and soap operas. Among his early roles, he had standout performances in long-running series like Home and Away (1988– ) and Neighbours (1985– ), which helped establish his presence in the entertainment industry.
In 2000, Murray Bartlett made the move to the United States, where he landed a memorable guest spot on Sex and the City. That role marked one of the first times Bartlett, who is openly gay, portrayed a gay character on screen — playing Carrie Bradshaw’s fashionable and fun-loving friend who showed her a wild night out on the town. Following that, Bartlett became a familiar face in the world of soap operas, with significant roles on All My Children in 2002 and later on Guiding Light from 2007 to 2009.
In addition to his daytime TV success, Murray Bartlett also appeared in the cult-favorite sci-fi series Farscape (Syfy 1999–2003), where he played the loyal and quirky best friend to the show’s lead character in several episodes. As the soap opera industry began to decline, Bartlett transitioned into film, taking on starring roles in movies like August (2011) and appearing in the comedy-drama Girl Most Likely, starring Kristen Wiig (2012).
One of the highlights of Murray Bartlett’s career came when he landed his most prominent role yet in the HBO series Looking, where he portrayed Dom, one of three gay friends navigating life and love in San Francisco. The role not only showcased Bartlett’s acting range but also resonated deeply with audiences who saw their own experiences reflected on screen.
So, when it comes to Murray Bartlett’s filmography, one name really stands out—Murray Bartlett. If we’re talking about his most acclaimed work, Murray Bartlett starred in Looking: The Movie back in 2016, which ended up being his highest-rated film by a noticeable margin. Fans and critics alike seemed to really connect with that project, and honestly, it’s no surprise given Murray Bartlett’s strong performance. On the other hand, not every role hits the same high notes. For instance, Beach House from 2017 received much more mixed reactions, making it, well, the lower point in Murray Bartlett’s movie journey so far. Still, even in less successful films, Murray Bartlett brings a certain depth that’s hard to ignore.