Zoe Terakes: Pronouns, Career & Background as Trans Actor

Few roles demand as much authenticity as playing a trans character on screen. For Zoe Terakes, that authenticity isn’t just a performance—it’s their life.

Known for: Reb Keane in Wentworth, Hayley in Talk to Me ·
Pronouns: they/them ·
Nationality: Australian ·
Notable role: Marvel’s The Eternals (uncredited) ·
Published work: Memoir (2025)

Here is a summary of the key facts about Zoe Terakes.

What pronouns does Zoe Terakes use?

Zoe Terakes has publicly stated that their pronouns are they/them. In a 2021 interview with the AACTA Awards, Terakes explicitly said, “My pronouns are they/them” (YouTube interview). Later that year, they posted on Instagram that they also accept he/him, writing: “My pronouns are they/them and he/him is also fine” (Instagram post).

A 2023 profile in GQ Australia described Terakes as using they/he pronouns, and an Amazon Prime Video biography lists them as “nonbinary transmasculine” (Amazon Prime Video).

Why does Zoe Terakes use they/them pronouns?

Terakes has explained that they/them best reflects their identity as a non-binary, transmasculine person. In a TikTok interview, they noted that they were “the first trans actor in Marvel” (TikTok), though the claim is not independently verified. The choice of pronouns signals a deliberate public stance on gender identity.

The implication: Correct pronoun usage validates Terakes’s identity and sets a standard for media representation.

What gender is Zoe Terakes?

Zoe Terakes identifies as a trans actor. They came out as non-binary and transmasculine to the acting industry at age 19 and have since been described as “trans” and “nonbinary transmasculine” in multiple profiles (Wikipedia). In a 2023 GQ Australia feature, the magazine called Terakes “Australia’s most exciting trans actor” (GQ Australia).

Is Zoe Terakes transgender?

Yes. Terakes publicly came out as trans in a 2023 social media post, writing that they had undergone gender-affirming surgery and that they “look like me now” (Instagram post). The announcement was widely reported by outlets such as Wikipedia and the Star Observer.

The pattern: Terakes’s public navigation of their gender identity provides visibility for non-binary and transmasculine people.

What surgery did Zoe Terakes have?

Zoe Terakes shared news of gender-affirming surgery on social media in 2023. According to Wikipedia, they confirmed the surgery in 2022, and a 2023 Instagram post showed Terakes recovering from top surgery (Wikipedia). The Star Observer reported that Terakes posted a photo captioned “I look like me now” (Star Observer).

When did Zoe Terakes share news of gender-affirming surgery?

Terakes first confirmed the surgery in 2022, but the public announcement with a photo came in 2023. The surgery was part of their transition journey, which they have been open about in interviews.

The takeaway: Sharing their medical transition publicly helps normalize trans healthcare.

What is Zoe Terakes famous for?

Zoe Terakes is best known for playing Reb Keane, a transgender inmate, on the Australian prison drama Wentworth (IMDb). They also appeared as Hayley in the horror film Talk to Me (2022) and as a guest star in Nine Perfect Strangers (Wikipedia). Terakes had an uncredited cameo in Marvel’s The Eternals (2021), which led to the TikTok claim that they were “Marvel’s first trans actor” (TikTok).

What role is Zoe Terakes best known for?

The role of Reb Keane in Wentworth is Terakes’ most prominent. They actively sought the part, emailing the producers to advocate for a trans actor to play the role (Wikipedia). The character was a recurring trans man in the show’s later seasons.

The implication: Terakes’s roles demonstrate the power of authentic casting in challenging industries.

What is Zoe Terakes’ background?

Zoe Terakes is an Australian actor born in Sydney, New South Wales. Their surname suggests Greek heritage, and Wikipedia associates them with Greek ancestry from Crete (Wikipedia). They were born on March 22, 2000, according to Amazon Prime Video (Amazon Prime Video), though the exact date is not widely confirmed elsewhere.

Where is Zoe Terakes from?

Terakes was raised in Sydney, Australia. They started acting in local productions and later pursued roles in Australian TV and film. Their background as a child of Greek immigrants informs their identity, though they have not publicly detailed their family life.

The takeaway: Terakes’s heritage and early life in Sydney ground their perspective and inform their artistry.

For Australian audiences watching trans representation evolve, Terakes offers a rare combination of visibility and talent. The next step: a memoir in 2025 that will likely deepen that conversation. For the industry, the implication is clear: authentic casting isn’t just good ethics—it’s good storytelling. Terakes shows that when a trans actor plays a trans role, the result resonates far beyond the screen.