Check Out Luke Rex’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Luke Rex

Luke, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After graduating from The Sydney Acting School in Australia in 1996, I went on to perform in stage, film, and TV, before deepening my studies as an actor at The Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in New York in 1999. After nine months abroad and upon encouragement from my father which always played out in the back of my mind, I enrolled in university at UNSW. There was a definitive lack of direction and I ended up dropping out 3 years later to work on an indie feature. My work in bars as a thirty-something-year-old took its toll so I committed to working a full-time job in sales which I loved. Then something extraordinary happened – I won the Diversity Greencard Lottery! My eyes were set on returning to New York and giving the acting another shot – the elusive role with Robert Deniro awaited.

In May 2006, I landed at JFK, picked up by my now good friend that I met at Lee Strasberg 7 years earlier. I lived in New Jersey for a few months before sharing with a friend of a friend in Brooklyn, then scored my own pad on the Upper East Side – an awesome 6-floor walk-up. LA called and I ventured out in January 2009 and now call LA home, 15 years later. Similarly, the voices of my father to finish my university degree continued to play out and after 4 years in LA, I enrolled at LACC with the intention of transferring to complete my undergraduate degree. I worked hard and transferred to UCLA pre-psychology, then did a Masters in Psychology, followed by a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. During my studies, I put my acting skills to good use and facilitated psychodrama to adults and teens struggling with addiction and dual diagnoses.

I am now a licensed psychologist working in a residential treatment center conducting therapy for teenagers, family sessions, and parent coaching. In the summer of 2022, after graduating, my creative juices were calling and I wrote and directed my first short film, ‘Bonding.’ I also acted, produced, and co-composed the music. The film has won over 70 awards on the national and international film festival circuits, with multiple nominations across all categories of film production. It’s been a very cool journey.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been numerous. Becoming a licensed psychologist required a tonne of energy. There were times I felt like giving up because the mental workload was just too much, but grit and determination became good friends.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Dr. Rex is a multi-talented individual with a unique career that spans both psychology and the arts. Born in Sydney, Australia, in 1975, Rex moved to the USA in 2006 to pursue acting. Although his initial goal was to become a professional actor, he transitioned into psychology, eventually earning a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2022. He combines his expertise in psychology with his background in acting to provide a distinctive therapeutic approach, particularly for adolescents.

Rex has extensive experience in leading drama and therapeutic groups for young people and adults dealing with various mental health and behavioral issues. He has facilitated over 4,000 groups in settings ranging from intensive outpatient programs to residential treatment centers. His methods integrate gestalt, psychodrama, and performing arts techniques, reflecting his deep understanding of both psychological principles and the performing arts.

In addition to his psychological work, Luke Rex has made significant strides in filmmaking. His short film “Bonding” has received numerous awards and recognitions in international film festivals. This project allowed him to blend his skills in writing, directing, acting, and even composing music, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to storytelling through film.

Overall, Luke Rex’s career is marked by a synthesis of his passions for psychology and the arts, making him a unique figure in both fields. His work aims not only to entertain but also to foster personal growth and healing through creative expression.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Grit. Keep going. Put your passions out there. Focus on what you love and do it. If you’re going into the acting world, find an additional skill or job you can do that you enjoy and do that too. It’s important to have financial stability as you get older.

Pricing:

• NA

Contact Info:

• Website: https://9livesentertainment.net/ AND https://drlukerex.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9_lives_entertainment/ AND https://www.instagram.com/dr.lukerex
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086267809895
• Twitter: https://x.com/9LivesEntertain
• Youtube: NA
• Yelp: NA
• Soundcloud: NA

Image Credits
Primary photo: Kat Tuohy

Tux: Dami Olagesin