If you tuned into Netflix’s Boots, chances are Max Parker and his character Sergeant Sullivan caught your eye.
Based on Greg Cope White‘s memoir, Boots follows a group of new Marine recruits in the 1990s as they try to survive the grueling trials of bootcamp amid the ban on openly gay service members in the military. Miles Heizer‘s Cameron Cope serves as the introduction to the story, but quickly Parker’s role as a high-ranking officer with a secret leads to a scene-stealing performance that has fans talking online.
“[For me, coming out years before the show] helped in terms of finding different bits of the character. The thing about my story is, the era we’re in, I’m lucky to have everyone around me be comfortable with it,” Parker told Attitude Magazine in October 2025. “Back then, for Sullivan, he could go to jail, lose his job, honour. The stakes for him are huge. It’s taking the essence of what I went through and putting it in a totally different situation.”
Keep scrolling for what to know about Parker after his tour de force performance in Boots:
‘Boots’ Ending Explained: Who Died? Who Broke Up? Will There Be a Season 2?
What TV Shows Did Max Parker Work On Before ‘Boots’?
Parker is best known for his roles as Alasdair “Base” Newman in BBC’s medical drama Casualty, which aired from 2018 to 2019. He then brought Luke Posner to life in ITV’s soap opera Emmerdale. Some of Us, however, are most familiar with Parker for his portrayal of Mikhail Tanner in Peacock’s Vampire Academy that aired in 2022 before coming to an end too soon.
He has also appeared in Blood, Sex & Royalty and Doctor Who before booking Sergeant Sullivan in Netflix’s Boots.
Has Max Parker Explored Other Acting Avenues?
In addition to TV and film roles, Parker has an extensive theater background with Barnum at Chichester Festival Theatre, Matilda the Musical in Cambridge Theatre, Savoy Theatre’s Guys and Dolls, Welsh National Opera’s Kiss Me, Kate and a role in Sheffield Crucible Theatre’s The Wizard of Oz on his filmography.
What Has Max Parker Shared About His Life Off Screen?
During an interview with Attitude Magazine in December 2020, Parker confirmed his relationship with Emmerdale costar Kris Mochrie. They announced their engagement in January 2022 and got married three years later.
“The beautiful soul that is my best friend asked me to marry him yesterday. I can’t begin to describe how happy I am. I love him beyond words, we laugh every single day and I’m so so grateful that he came in to my life. I had no idea at all! But it was just perfect,” Mochrie wrote via Instagram while celebrating their engagement. “Max had asked my Mum for any jewellery that my Gran had. Mum still had my Grans locket and he has had it made in to the middle of the engagement ring on the inside. So so special.Thank you to the job that brought us together, our incredible family and friends. And the amazing love from you all. I’m a very lucky boy. WE ARE GETTING MARRIED!!!!!”
Fall 2025 TV Schedule: See When Your Favorite Shows Will Air
Did Max Parker Discuss His Breakout Role in ‘Boots’?
“Queer stories are important. Although I have been moved by performances like the ones seen in Call Me By Your Name, both played by straight men, it’s about finding the person who can tell the story best and tell it truthfully and authentically,” Parker explained to Imagine Magazine in October 2025 about taking on the role of Sergeant Sullivan. “Queer artists should be given more opportunity to play Queer roles. There are so many of us, why wouldn’t we be chosen.”
How Did ‘Boots’ Set Up a ‘Vampire Academy’ Reunion?
Parker was joined by Kieron Moore in the Netflix series, which marks their first project together after Vampire Academy.
“We’re the only two British boys on this show and it’s a huge responsibility. We really want to make sure that we’re doing these characters a service and we had to earn our stripes a little bit,” Moore exclusively told Us Weekly in October 2025. “[We made] memories for a lifetime. I feel very lucky that I get to go on this journey with someone so close to me.”
