Stephen Madsen is an Australian actor. He is best known for his role as Jason "J.D." Dean in the Australian production of Heathers: The Musical, and for originating the role of Alexander Shkuratov in the musical Muriel's Wedding.
Early life and education Madsen is the son of Sally, a doctor, and Ross, growing up in Mona Vale, New South Wales. As a child, he attended Mona Vale Public School and Manly Selective Campus. Madsen graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 2014.
Career Madsen made his Sydney theatre debut as Jason "J.D." Dean in the Australian premiere of Heathers: The Musical at the Hayes Theatre in 2015. That same year, he portrayed Mark Cohen in Rent; also at the Hayes Theatre.
In 2016, Madsen returned to the role of Jason Dean for the Australian tour of Heathers: The Musical. He subsequently appeared in Sport For Jove Theatre Company's production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest at the Seymour Centre, Sydney.
He originated the role of swimmer Alexander Shkuratov in the world premiere of Muriel's Wedding at Sydney Theatre Company. He features on the Original Cast Recording released by Sony Music Australia.
He returned to the Hayes Theatre in 2018 as Patrick in the Australian premiere of The View Upstairs. He played Alan in Darlinghurst Theatre Company's 2018 production of Torch Song Trilogy.
In 2022, he played conniving frenchman Marcel Benoit in the Sydney Theatre Company production of White Pearl by Anchuli Felicia King at the newly-renovated Wharf Theatre. He toured with the production to Canberra and Parramatta. That same year, he played Carl in the first major Australian production of Sarah Kane's Cleansed.
He starred as the legendary warrior Achilles in Holding Achilles, an epic co-production between Dead Puppet Society and Legs on the Wall, for its world premiere at Brisbane Festival in 2022 and a subsequent season for Sydney Festival in 2023. He appeared in Sex Magick at Griffin Theatre Company in the same year.
In 2025, he reprised his performance in Muriel's Wedding for the UK Premiere at the Curve Theatre. He also appeared in Spartacus: House of Ashur, and joined the supporting cast of Australian soap opera Home and Away as Eddie Shepherd. He made his debut in October 2025.
Personal life Madsen lives in Elizabeth Bay, New South Wales.
Theatre credits YearProductionRoleVenue2015Heathers: The MusicalJason "J.D." DeanHayes Theatre2015-16RentMark CohenHayes Theatre2016Heathers: The MusicalJason "J.D." DeanQPAC Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne Playhouse, Sydney Opera House Playhouse2017One Flew Over the Cuckoo's NestRucklyReginald Theatre, Seymour Centre2017–18Muriel's WeddingAlexander ShkuratovRoslyn Packer Theatre, Sydney Theatre Company2018The View UpStairsPatrickHayes TheatreTorch Song TrilogyAlanEternity Playhouse2019Muriel's WeddingAlexander ShkuratovHer Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne, Sydney Lyric, QPAC Lyric Theatre2022White PearlMarcel BenoitWharf Theatre, Sydney Theatre CompanyCleansedCarlOld Fitzroy TheatreHolding AchillesAchillesQPAC Playhouse 2023Sex MagickManmatha/Drayton/GazzaSBW Stables TheatreHolding AchillesAchillesCarriageworks2025Muriel's WeddingAlexander ShkuratovCurve Theatre
Filmography
Film Year Title Role 2021 Marley, Someone Lola 2025 Zombucha! Kai Television Year Title Role 2019 Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries Duane Gordon 2019 Secret Bridesmaids' Business Brent Harcourt 2025 Spartacus: House of Ashur Creticus 2025–2026 Home and Away Eddie Shepherd
Awards and nominations Year Awards Category Production Result2015Sydney Theatre AwardsBest NewcomerHeathers: The MusicalJudith Johnson Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a MusicalRentBest Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a MusicalHeathers: The Musical2022Sydney Theatre AwardsBest EnsembleCleansed
References
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