The Dry star Joe Klocek credits his success to a life-changing liver transplant

Born with a genetic liver disorder, actor Joe Klocek and his brother both underwent life-altering transplants as children.

Touted as the next Chris Hemsworth, The Dry star Joe Klocek has one special person on his mind at every milestone career moment.

It’s an individual he’ll never be able to thank in person, yet someone he credits for making it all possible - his liver donor. “Every day, I’m living life to the fullest and hoping that I am doing my donor proud,” said the 26 year-old actor.

Brisbane actor and liver transplant recipient Joe Klocek. Photo: Tara Croser.

Klocek and his photographer brother, Daniel, 30, were born with a progressive genetic liver disease. It made them constantly sick and lethargic, led to countless hospital admissions, transfusions and, in Daniel’s case, life-threatening nose bleeds. “My mum and dad made our childhood the best it could be, but it’s something I wouldn’t wish on anyone,” Klocek said. Both brothers received liver transplants at age 10, improving their lives dramatically. “I had seen it in my brother, and then when I had mine, I was a new person,” Klocek said.

Joe Klocek as a 10 year-old after his liver transplant surgery. Pictured at the Royal Children’s Hospital receiving a visit from Australian Idol contestants (L-R) Kate DeAraugo, Lee Harding and Dan England. Photo: JamesRobertson.

“I remember the first week I got home after my transplant, I went for a run down the street and finally felt like I could breathe properly. I changed physically, my eyes went white, my skin went from yellow to a healthy colour. We’re now fit and healthy and have been able to do things we had never thought about prior to the transplant.”

Actor Joe Klocek, front, and Boy Swallows Universe author Trent Dalton. Klocek has the lead role in the novel’s stage adaptation. Photo: David Kelly.

Praised by Eric Bana for his stellar performance as Bana’s character’s younger self in 2020 mystery The Dry, Klocek is now rehearsing for the lead role in stage production Boy Swallows Universe. Currently seeing out the pandemic in his family home in Brisbane’s western suburbs, Klocek has his sights set on furthering his career in Hollywood and the UK.

“I’m taking it one step at a time, and I’m grateful for everything I have,” he said. “It’s all because of one person’s decision to give the gift of life. They are always on my mind. When I reach a milestone, I think about the fact that I wouldn’t be here without my donor.”

The Klocek brothers were fortunate to receive their liver donations within just two weeks of going on the waiting list, but are acutely aware that others can wait months - or even years - for life-saving organs. “It’s exceedingly rare, and something I don’t take for granted,” Klocek said.

“I don’t know any organ recipient out there who isn’t grateful or doesn’t understand that one door tragically closed for it to open to them.”

Western Bulldogs player Easton Wood holding up one finger in support of the DonateLife’s 'one minute' social media campaign.

Melbourne Storm players Cooper Johns, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Harry Grant supporting the campaign.

Klocek is among the celebrities and sporting personalities throwing their star power behind the ‘one minute’ social media movement, encouraging people to take a minute to log onto the Donate Life website to register as organ donors. Under the hashtag #GreatRegistrationRace, registered donors are posting photos of themselves holding up one finger, in a bid to encourage family and friends to do the same.

“It only takes a minute, but it’s not something that’s at the forefront of people’s minds,” Klocek said. “You don’t know what’s around the corner. It’s so important to have these discussions with your family when you’re fit and healthy.”

Actor Joe Klocek attending the Sydney premiere of The Dry. Photo: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)