Born in South Africa to European Parents. Raphael grew up in the suburbs of Melbourne while navigating through life with Cystic Fibrosis.

Besides being in and out of hospitals and moving between various schools, he was also diagnosed with learning difficulties.

However, Raphael’s passion for performing arts allowed him to persevere through the struggles he was facing academically. Naturally, Raphael decided to attend the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School at the age of 14. He then, pursued a 1-year duration of studying ‘Small Companies and Community Theatre,’ at the Swinburne University of Technology, Prahran.

In 1997, Raphael was given the opportunity to meet and perform with Michael Jackson on stage. This experience further fuelled Raphael’s desire to use the adversities due to his condition to help others who are in need.

Today, Raphael is a freelance photographer, filmmaker, creative director, performer, and health advocate. He has worked in multiple projects based in Australia, Japan, Iceland and Scotland.

Raphael’s unique circumstances have enabled him to be a compassionate storyteller. He aspires to help others to use their personal experiences to tell the story they wish to share.