The Rise of Joseph Chiu: A Canadian Actor's Journey and the Future of 'Every Year After'
When I first heard about Joseph Chiu’s reaction to the renewal of Every Year After for a second season, I couldn’t help but smile. The image of a 24-year-old actor screaming in his bedroom at 10 a.m. is both endearing and relatable. It’s a moment that captures the raw, unfiltered joy of someone who’s worked hard for their break. But what makes this particularly fascinating is how Chiu’s journey reflects a broader narrative about the Canadian film and TV industry—a narrative of resilience, adaptability, and the quiet determination to make it against the odds.
Chiu’s path to stardom isn’t your typical Hollywood story. From his brief stint as a K-pop trainee in South Korea to swapping majors in college and eventually landing his first series regular role, his career is a patchwork of pivots and perseverance. What many people don’t realize is that these seemingly unrelated experiences often shape an actor’s depth and versatility. Personally, I think Chiu’s ability to draw from his eclectic background—whether it’s his K-pop training or his academic pursuits—gives him a unique edge in crafting characters like Jordie Lin.
One thing that immediately stands out is how Chiu approached the role of Jordie, a character who, in Carley Fortune’s original novel, is more of a supporting figure. Chiu’s interpretation of Jordie feels deeply personal, almost as if he’s weaving fragments of his own identity into the character. In my opinion, this is where the magic of acting lies—in the ability to transform a two-dimensional role into something nuanced and relatable. Chiu’s reference to Stiles from Teen Wolf as an inspiration is telling; it’s a character known for his wit, loyalty, and emotional depth, qualities that Chiu clearly brings to Jordie.
What this really suggests is that Chiu understands the power of subtext. Jordie isn’t just the best friend; he’s a character with his own arc, his own vulnerabilities, and his own story to tell. This raises a deeper question: How often do we overlook supporting characters in narratives, assuming they’re just there to serve the plot? Chiu’s performance challenges us to reconsider the roles we take for granted and the stories they might hold.
Shooting Every Year After on Bowen Island seems to have been a transformative experience for Chiu. His description of the island—its beauty, its boredom, its sense of safety—feels almost poetic. If you take a step back and think about it, there’s something profoundly symbolic about an actor finding peace in a place that mirrors the setting of the show. It’s as if the lines between reality and fiction blurred, allowing Chiu to immerse himself fully in Jordie’s world.
A detail that I find especially interesting is Chiu’s desire to explore Jordie’s relationship with Chantal and Delilah in the next season. His fan fiction-esque ideas—a rain-soaked confession, a basketball game aura-farming moment, a drunken serenade—reveal not just his creativity but also his investment in the character’s emotional journey. From my perspective, this is what makes a great actor: someone who doesn’t just play a role but actively shapes its trajectory.
Chiu’s thoughts on the Canadian film and TV industry are equally compelling. As someone who’s worked in Toronto and Hamilton, he understands the challenges of breaking into an industry that often feels overshadowed by Hollywood. But what he also highlights is the sense of community and support among Canadian actors. Personally, I think this camaraderie is one of the industry’s greatest strengths. It’s not just about individual success; it’s about lifting others up along the way.
If you ask me, Chiu’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself. His story isn’t just about landing a role or getting a show renewed; it’s about the countless small moments of doubt, growth, and self-discovery that led him here. As we look forward to the next season of Every Year After, I can’t help but wonder: What new layers will Chiu bring to Jordie? And how will his journey continue to inspire others in the Canadian acting community?
One thing’s for sure: Joseph Chiu is an actor to watch. His story is just beginning, and I, for one, am excited to see where it goes.
