Imagine calling home renovations 'the worst thing that's ever happened in human history' – that's the stark reality Australian actor Richard Roxburgh faces, and it's a sentiment many homeowners might nod along to! But here's where it gets intriguing: despite his disdain for the chaos of renovations, Roxburgh recently dove into a surprising project that turned him into an unlikely star of a real estate ad. Stick around, because this story blends Hollywood glamour with the gritty world of property sales in a way that might just change how you think about buying or selling a home.
Richard Roxburgh, the talented Aussie actor known for his roles in shows like Rake (where he portrayed a brilliant but troubled lawyer) and films such as Moulin Rouge! (in which he played the Duke of Monroth), along with appearances in Van Helsing as Dracula and Mission Impossible: 2 as a villain, has always embraced a wide range of characters across movies, theater, and television. So, when real estate agency Ray White approached him about starring in a property advertisement directed by the versatile Nash Edgerton – the same guy behind music videos for Bob Dylan and stunt work in blockbusters like The Matrix and Star Wars – Roxburgh saw it as an exciting, creative opportunity.
'It was a briefing from my agent about this wild concept: Nash directing a short film for this specific house, and they wanted me to join in,' Roxburgh recalled with enthusiasm. 'I loved the innovative vibe.' And this is the part most people miss – it wasn't just any ad; it was titled No.33 The Movie, where Roxburgh portrays a hesitant buyer clinging to a stunning beachfront property.
The home at 33 Shorebird Parade, Greenhills Beach, was selected precisely because it embodies the dream features that Australian homebuyers crave, according to Ray White's executive director, Todd Alexander. Leveraging their advanced NurtureCloud technology, the agency scrutinized data from 110,921 properties listed between January 1, 2024, and August 25, 2025. The results? Most buyers prioritize a spacious family home with a garden, proximity to water, four to five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dedicated home office, and reliable air conditioning. To pull this off, they coordinated a property that fit the bill, a director with availability, and the house's market timing – all while ensuring Roxburgh was free. 'It clicked together like the final puzzle piece for something truly special,' Alexander noted.
Roxburgh, who even performs a dramatic balcony leap in the ad (but don't worry, it was a stunt double – 'I leave the daring feats to the pros who make it look effortless, boosting my performance in the process'), praised the production as having a full-fledged film crew, including familiar faces from his industry days. He hadn't collaborated with Edgerton since the 1990s series Blue Murder. But renovating? That's a different story. As a lifelong Sydneysider, Roxburgh feels deeply connected to real estate, yet he labels renovations 'the worst thing that's ever happened.' 'It's unbelievably stressful, right? We recently vacated our Newport home to demolish and rebuild it from scratch – fingers crossed that's my last go-round,' he shared with a laugh.
He also shared a hilarious mishap from the 1990s: While filming in the Czech Republic, a friend and his brother-in-law mistakenly bought a Coogee apartment on his behalf during a bidding war. 'The offers escalated past my budget, leaving me in a financial whirlwind,' Roxburgh admitted. 'I was floored when they said we won it!'
Meanwhile, the homeowners, Lorraine and Glenn Jackson – a flight attendant and her husband – were overjoyed to have their property featured. 'We were ecstatic to be picked,' Lorraine said. The couple, who worked with an architect to design their dream home nearly a decade ago, are now scaling back, a common move for many families seeking simpler lifestyles. The filming spanned two days plus three of prep, complete with Hollywood-style makeup, lighting, and a bustling team of 60 people invading their space. They purchased the vacant land in 2015 for $1,670,000 and built their custom home, now valued at a guide price of $7 million or more. For context, the median home price in the Sutherland region hovers around $1,720,000, based on the latest Domain House Price Report – a reminder of how location and customization can skyrocket value.
'Our house became the main event,' Glenn remarked. And this is where it gets controversial: Roxburgh pondered Sydney's property scene more broadly. 'I've spent my entire adult life here... but will our children ever afford to own property? That's the big question.' Is the housing market in Australia becoming an insurmountable barrier for the next generation, or is it a necessary reality of urban living? Do you think renovations are worth the stress for that perfect home, or should we prioritize buying ready-made? Share your thoughts in the comments – do you agree with Roxburgh's renovation horror story, or have you found joy in transforming your space? And here's a counterpoint: Maybe the thrill of customization outweighs the chaos, turning potential nightmares into treasured memories. What side are you on? Let's discuss!
