“Every Year After”’s Joseph Chiu ‘Bombed’ His Audition for a ‘Smaller’ Part, Then Was Cast as Jordie within 48 Hours (Exclusive)

**Joseph Chiu Reflects on His Journey to Stardom in ‘Every Year After’**

Joseph Chiu, a 23-year-old actor, has recently stepped into the limelight with his role as Jordie in the adaptation of Carley Fortune’s novel, *Every Summer After*, now available for streaming on Prime Video. Chiu’s path to the role was far from straightforward, as he originally auditioned for a smaller character but ended up landing a much more significant part in the series.

Speaking about his initial audition, Chiu admitted he didn’t feel optimistic about his chances. “I initially read for a smaller character,” he explained in a conversation with PEOPLE. “However, I was the only one called back, which was surprising. I ended up laughing during the callback, breaking character in a manner that had never happened to me before.”

Despite the light-hearted moment, Chiu believed he had performed poorly. “I thought I bombed it,” he confessed. “Afterwards, I definitely spiralled about it.” To his astonishment, the casting team responded positively. “The next day, I received the sides for Jordie and had to audition that evening,” Chiu recalled.

This whirlwind of events coincided with major personal milestones for Chiu. He graduated from the University of Toronto the day after submitting his tape for the role, shortly followed by the news that he had secured the part. His quick ascent into the public eye was evident when he and co-star Matt Cornett began to experience fan recognition soon after the casting announcement. “Within two days, we were recognised on the street,” he said. “Fans were thrilled, especially since many of them had also just graduated and were eager to share their excitement about *Every Summer After*.”

Chiu’s portrayal of Jordie, the loyal best friend of Sam Florek, played by Cornett, has been praised for its depth and authenticity. The character is depicted as someone who runs a motel in Barry’s Bay after facing setbacks in his NBA aspirations. A pivotal aspect of Chiu’s portrayal involved collaborating closely with Aurora Perrineau, who plays Chantal, another key character in the series.

In a joint interview, Chiu noted the significant influence Perrineau had on his performance. “Once I saw how you were playing Chantal during our first table read, it unlocked Jordie within me,” he stated. The duo’s contrasting portrayals facilitated Chiu’s understanding of his character, making the overall performance seamless and believable.

As the first season of *Every Year After* draws to a close, viewers are left with a tantalising cliffhanger. Chantal and Jordie’s relationship reaches a milestone, yet complications arise with the character Delilah, portrayed by Abigail Cowen, who appears to have lingering feelings for Sam. Chiu shared his take on this dramatic conclusion, emphasising Jordie’s focus on his developing relationship with Chantal. “Jordie is so into Chantal at the moment that he’s not really thinking about Delilah,” he explained.

With the conclusion of the first season, Chiu expressed satisfaction with how his character’s storyline evolved. “It ended on a very good note for Jordie,” he affirmed, while acknowledging the unresolved dynamics. “There’s a close-up of Delilah towards the end, showing her reaction. But from Jordie’s perspective, he’s genuinely happy with Chantal, having finally mustered the courage to ask her to be his girlfriend.”

Reflecting on his journey thus far, Chiu’s experiences highlight the unpredictability of the entertainment industry. From auditioning for a less significant role to becoming the star of a major series, his story resonates with many aspiring actors. As *Every Year After* continues to gain popularity, there is no doubt that audiences will be keen to see where Chiu’s career takes him next.

*Every Year After* is currently streaming on Prime Video, enticing viewers with its blend of romance and nostalgia, driven by a talented cast that includes Joseph Chiu and Aurora Perrineau, making a significant impact in the world of television.