Meet Zac Burgess from Cruel Intentions

Zac Burgess takes on the leading role of Lucien Belmont in Amazon Prime Video’s Cruel Intentions series, a fresh adaptation inspired by the iconic 1999 film. While not a direct sequel, the new series reimagines the story, capturing the intrigue and scandal of the original. Burgess steps into the shoes of a manipulative leading man, a role once portrayed by Ryan Phillippe, and brings his own flair to the character.

From Nursing to Acting: Zac Burgess’ Journey

Before dazzling audiences on-screen, Zac Burgess cultivated his craft at the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in Perth, beginning his studies in 2021. Graduating with a diploma in acting, Burgess joins a celebrated group of WAAPA alumni, including Luke Arnold (Black Sails), Bryn Chapman Parish, and Ben O’Toole.

Interestingly, Burgess initially pursued a career in nursing, earning a certificate from TAFE NSW in 2020. However, his passion for performance ultimately won out, paving the way for his acting career.

A Legacy of Acting

Acting runs in Zac Burgess’ blood. Born in Bellingen, Australia, Zac is the son of the late Scott Burgess, a renowned Australian actor known for his roles in Dead Easy and 1915. Scott’s influence on Zac’s early life is undeniable, though he sadly passed away in 2016 at the age of 57.

Rising Star with a Growing Resume

While Cruel Intentions is his breakout role, Zac Burgess is no stranger to the screen. He starred in the Netflix mini-series Boy Swallows Universe earlier in 2024, playing the teenage version of protagonist Eli Ross. The role gave him the chance to work alongside notable Australian talents like Simon Baker, Bryan Brown, and Phoebe Tonkin. He has also appeared in One Night and Totally Completely Fine.

Finding Lucien: Gossip Girl Inspiration

To shape his portrayal of Lucien Belmont, Burgess took inspiration from an unexpected source: Ed Westwick’s portrayal of Chuck Bass in Gossip Girl. In an interview, Burgess admitted, “I saw a clip of him talking on YouTube, and I was like, ‘I like that; I’m going to steal a little bit of that.’”

Lucien’s character, a cunning and charming college student, teams up with his sister Caroline Merteuil (Sarah Catherine Hook) to climb the social ladder at their Washington D.C. university. Their plan? Seduce the Vice President’s daughter and exploit her connections.

Life Beyond the Screen

Off-screen, Zac Burgess is in a relationship with Leah Gersteling, a kinesiologist and founder of Higher Ground Healing in Australia. The couple, together for over a year, often share glimpses of their adventures, including sun-soaked trips to Bali.

Stay Connected with Zac Burgess

Fans can follow Zac Burgess on Instagram and TikTok to stay updated on his career and personal life.

Amazon Prime Video’s Cruel Intentions is now streaming, offering a modern twist on the scandalous world of seduction, manipulation, and ambition.