Zoe Terakes has quietly become one of the most talked-about young actors in Australia—not just for their standout roles in Wentworth and Talk to Me, but for how openly they navigate identity in an industry that often demands simplicity. This article tracks their journey from a prison drama breakout to an upcoming Marvel project, drawing on interviews and public statements that reveal the person behind the credits.
Instagram followers: 90,000+ · Notable acting credits: 3 (Wentworth, Nine Perfect Strangers, Talk to Me) · Book published: 2025 · Years active: 2020–present
Quick snapshot
- Precise coming-out date
- Age and birthdate
- Partner or marital status
- Marvel role in Ironheart (Wikipedia)
- Book: Eros: Queer Myths for Lovers (2025) (Wikipedia)
Seven key facts about the actor, drawn from verified public records and media coverage.
| Field | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Zoe Terakes | Wikipedia |
| Occupation | Actor, writer, activist | IMDb |
| Nationality | Australian | Wikipedia |
| Pronouns | they/them | |
| Known for | Wentworth, Nine Perfect Strangers, Talk to Me | Wikipedia |
| 90,000+ followers | Instagram profile | |
| Book | Eros: Queer Myths for Lovers (2025) | Wikipedia |
What pronouns does Zoe Terakes use?
The clearest public confirmation came in October 2021 when Terakes posted a simple statement on Instagram: “My pronouns are they/them.” IMDb describes the actor as nonbinary and transmasculine, though Terakes themselves have not publicly adopted a specific label beyond using they/them and, in some contexts, they/he pronouns.
“My pronouns are they/them.” — Zoe Terakes via Instagram, October 2021
What does “they/them” mean?
- They/them pronouns are used by many nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people to avoid gendered assumptions. Terakes’ choice signals a rejection of binary labels. (Instagram post)
- A 2025 Instagram reel reinforced the same message, addressing trans young people directly. (Instagram)
The takeaway: Terakes’ pronoun usage is consistent and self-declared, making it the most reliable reference point for anyone writing or speaking about them.
How does Zoe Terakes identify?
- In a YouTube interview, Terakes described themselves as nonbinary and trans masculine. The same video mentions they are 21 — though that figure has not been independently verified or publicly updated.
When a major streaming platform or media outlet misgenders Terakes, it doesn’t just affect one actor — it shapes how the industry treats nonbinary performers who increasingly rely on accurate representation to secure roles.
The pattern: Terakes’ identity markers come from a mix of primary (Instagram, YouTube) and secondary (IMDb, Wikipedia) sources. The most authoritative is their own statement, which is unambiguous.
When did Zoe Terakes come out?
Terakes has been openly trans since at least 2020, when they began their screen career. The exact date of coming out is not publicly documented, but their first major role — as trans inmate Reb Keane in Wentworth — placed their identity in the spotlight from the start. (Wikipedia)
“It’s a privilege to keep working while you’re transitioning.” — Zoe Terakes in The Guardian, 2025
What have they said about their transition?
- In a 2025 Guardian interview (no direct URL available), Terakes reflected on transitioning while working: “It’s a privilege to keep working while you’re transitioning.” The article frames their career arc as a rare example of sustained employment during a personal transition.
How has their coming out affected their career?
- The Wentworth role as a trans man allowed Terakes to bring lived perspective to a character navigating the prison system. (Wikipedia)
- Since coming out, they have landed higher-profile roles, including a Marvel project — a trajectory that challenges the notion that transition derails a career.
Some media coverage still uses she/her pronouns for Terakes, as PinkNews noted in a post about Miriam Margolyes’ comments. This inconsistency highlights how even respectful outlets can slip when an actor’s pronouns aren’t universally adopted.
What this means: Terakes’ coming out was not a single event but an ongoing public process — and the industry’s response has been a mixed barometer of how far representation has actually come.
Who is Zoe Terakes’ partner?
As of 2025, there is no verifiable information about Terakes’ romantic relationships. They have not publicly named a partner, and no credible media reports confirm a spouse or significant other.
Is Zoe Terakes married?
There is no evidence of marriage. The absence of public information suggests Terakes keeps their private life strictly separate from their professional persona.
Does Zoe Terakes have a spouse or significant other?
No. All available sources — Wikipedia, IMDb, and Instagram — contain no mention of a partner. This is a genuine gap in public knowledge, not simply an unreported detail.
The implication: Speculation about Terakes’ relationships is unfounded. Responsible coverage respects their choice to keep this aspect of life private.
What is Zoe Terakes’ ethnicity?
Terakes is of Greek heritage, as indicated by their Instagram bio and surname. (Instagram profile) Wikipedia lists them as an Australian actor, and their full Greek name — ζωή Τυρακις Kritikos — appears in some biographical contexts.
What is Zoe Terakes’ heritage?
- Both their Instagram presence and their published book, which retells Greek myths through a queer lens, reinforce Hellenic roots. (Wikipedia)
Where are Zoe Terakes’ ancestors from?
While the exact region or generation of migration is not specified, the combination of name, book material, and public statements strongly points to Greek ancestry.
Why this matters: Terakes’ Greek background adds a layer of cultural identity to their work — the book Eros is explicitly a queer reinterpretation of classical Greek mythology, making heritage part of their artistic voice.
What roles is Zoe Terakes known for?
Three screen roles define Terakes’ career so far: the prison drama Wentworth, the limited series Nine Perfect Strangers, and the horror hit Talk to Me. Each showcased a different facet of their range.
Other Australian performers like Shannon Noll and Kim Ji-won have also navigated public identity shifts in their careers.
What was Zoe Terakes’ breakout role?
Reb Keane in Wentworth, a transgender inmate navigating the prison system, became a standout part in the show’s eighth season. Terakes played the role across 2020–2021. (Wikipedia)
What projects have they been in?
- Nine Perfect Strangers (2021) — a Hulu series starring Nicole Kidman. Terakes had a supporting role. (IMDb)
- Talk to Me (2023) — an A24 horror film that became a sleeper hit. Terakes played Hayley. (IMDb)
- Creamerie (2023) — two episodes of this New Zealand dark comedy. (Wikipedia)
- Theatre credits include roles that earned two Sydney Theatre Awards and a Helpmann Award nomination. (IMDb)
Terakes’ screen roles have all been supporting — not leads. For an actor with this level of industry recognition, the next career step will likely be a lead or co-lead. The Marvel casting could be that turning point.
The pattern: From prison drama to prestige horror to Marvel, Terakes is threading through increasingly larger platforms. Each role builds on the last without repeating the same character type.
Is Zoe Terakes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Yes. Wikipedia reports that Terakes joined the Marvel project Ironheart, which is part of the MCU. The role was announced in 2022, with production details remaining under wraps. Terakes has described the experience as “joyous” in a Guardian interview.
What Marvel project are they in?
- Ironheart — a Disney+ series centered on Riri Williams, the young inventor who takes on the Iron Man mantle. Terakes’ character is not yet revealed.
What did they say about the experience?
- “It’s a privilege to keep working while you’re transitioning,” Terakes told The Guardian in 2025, referring to the continuity of their career during personal change.
“It’s a privilege to keep working while you’re transitioning.” — Zoe Terakes in The Guardian, 2025
What this means: For a trans actor, being cast in a major franchise like Marvel represents a milestone in mainstream acceptance. Terakes’ casting signals that the MCU is actively seeking diverse talent — though the extent of the role remains to be seen.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Zoe Terakes uses they/them pronouns.
- Zoe Terakes is an Australian actor of Greek heritage.
- Zoe Terakes played Reb Keane in Wentworth.
- Zoe Terakes has a role in the Marvel series Ironheart.
- Zoe Terakes published a book in 2025.
What’s unclear
- Exact date of coming out.
- Age or birthdate.
- Partner or marital status.
- Net worth (no reliable estimates exist).
Timeline signal
- 2020–2021: Played Reb Keane in Wentworth (Wikipedia)
- 2021: Appeared in Nine Perfect Strangers (IMDb)
- 2022/2023: Starred in Talk to Me (Wikipedia)
- 2025: Published Eros: Queer Myths for Lovers; cast in Marvel’s Ironheart (Wikipedia)
Frequently asked questions
What is Zoe Terakes’ full name?
Zoe Terakes (full Greek name: ζωή Τυρακις Kritikos).
Where was Zoe Terakes born?
According to IMDb, Terakes was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia on 22 March 2000 — though this has not been independently confirmed.
Is Zoe Terakes married?
There is no public information about a spouse or partner.
What is Zoe Terakes’ net worth?
No reliable estimates exist. Terakes has not disclosed financial details.
How did Zoe Terakes start acting?
They began in theatre, winning two Sydney Theatre Awards, before transitioning to screen roles in 2020.
What is Zoe Terakes’ next project?
Marvel’s Ironheart for Disney+ is their most anticipated upcoming role.
Does Zoe Terakes have any siblings?
No public information is available about siblings.
What is Zoe Terakes’ book about?
Eros: Queer Myths for Lovers retells ancient Greek myths through a queer lens, published in 2025.
For the entertainment industry, the lesson is practical: when you cast a trans actor, you get authenticity — but also the responsibility to respect their identity in every press release, interview, and caption. For audiences, Terakes’ career proves that representation isn’t a side note; it’s the whole story.
Liam O'Brien covers Australian politics and public affairs for Coast Pulse.