Who Is Socratis Otto? The Actor Behind Wentworth’s Maxine Conway

Socratis Otto is an Australian actor best known to many viewers as Maxine Conway in Wentworth, the much loved prisoner who became a close ally of Bea Smith and formed an unforgettable friendship with Boomer Jenkins.

Although Maxine remains one of his most recognisable roles, Socratis has built a career across Australian television, film and theatre, with credits ranging from Home and Away to major international films including The Matrix Reloaded and X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Who Is Socratis Otto?

Socratis Otto is an Australian actor who trained at the National Institute of Dramatic Art, better known as NIDA, before establishing a career across stage and screen.

His television and film career began well before Wentworth, with Socratis appearing across a wide range of Australian productions as well as international films. His work has included drama, action, science fiction and historical productions, demonstrating a career considerably broader than the role that introduced him to many Wentworth viewers.

Socratis Otto as Maxine Conway in Wentworth

Socratis joined Wentworth as Maxine Conway in Season 2 in 2014. Maxine is a transgender woman serving time at Wentworth Correctional Centre who becomes closely connected to Bea Smith and Boomer Jenkins.

Maxine quickly develops into an important member of Bea’s group. Her loyalty makes her a valuable ally during Bea’s time as Top Dog, while her friendship with Boomer provides some of Maxine’s warmest and most emotional moments.

Later, Maxine is diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoes major treatment. Her need for continuing medical care eventually results in her transfer from Wentworth to Barnhurst during Season 5, marking Socratis’s final appearance in the original series in 2017.

What Else Has Socratis Otto Been In?

Socratis had already established an extensive screen career before becoming Maxine. Australian soap viewers may recognise him from Home and Away, while his international film credits include The Matrix Reloaded and X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

He also appeared in I, Frankenstein and portrayed Charles Darwin in the historical production Darwin’s Brave New World. More recent television credits have included Operation Buffalo, Population: 11 and Nautilus.

Socratis has continued working since leaving Wentworth, with credits in projects including Water Horse, Electric, Strangers at Sundown and Songbird.

Socratis Otto Reunites With Wentworth Cast at Wentworth Cons

Socratis has remained connected to the Wentworth community since leaving the series. In April 2026, he appeared at Wentworth Con in Orlando, reuniting with fellow cast members and meeting viewers who had travelled to celebrate the programme.

After the event, Socratis shared photographs from the convention on his Instagram account and thanked those who had welcomed them. His posts showed the continuing affection surrounding Wentworth and Maxine years after his final appearance in the original series. He has also appeared at previous Cons, and images can be found on his Instagram page.

Could Socratis Otto Return as Maxine?

There has been no official confirmation that Socratis Otto will return as Maxine Conway in the new Wentworth:Halfway home series.

Maxine’s original departure does leave the possibility open. Unlike a number of major characters, Maxine was not killed off. She was alive when she left Wentworth for Barnhurst to continue receiving treatment for breast cancer, and her eventual fate was never established on screen.

Unless an official announcement is made, however, any suggestion that Socratis will reprise the role should remain firmly in the realm of speculation.

Follow Socratis Otto

Socratis remains active on Instagram, where he shares updates about his work, appearances and life beyond Wentworth. His official verified account is @im_socratisotto, where he currently has more than 57,000 followers.

His account also gives Wentworth viewers the opportunity to keep up with convention appearances and reunions with former cast members, including his appearance at Wentworth Con in Orlando.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who played Maxine Conway in Wentworth?

Socratis Otto played Maxine Conway in Wentworth. He joined the programme during Season 2 in 2014 and made his final appearance during Season 5 in 2017.

Is Socratis Otto Australian?

Yes. Socratis Otto is an Australian actor who trained at NIDA and has worked across Australian television, film and theatre.

Was Socratis Otto in Home and Away?

Yes. Socratis appeared in Home and Away before joining Wentworth, adding another major Australian television drama to his screen credits.

Was Socratis Otto in The Matrix Reloaded?

Yes. Socratis appeared in the 2003 film The Matrix Reloaded. His film credits also include X-Men Origins: Wolverine and I, Frankenstein.

Is Socratis Otto returning to Wentworth?

There is currently no official confirmation that Socratis will reprise his role as Maxine Conway in the new Wentworth series. Maxine remains alive within the established story, meaning a return is possible, but it remains unconfirmed.

Discover more from the Wentworth universe on the SoapLandTV Wentworth hub, including our guide to Maxine Conway, cast features and explainers, Prisoner: Cell Block H coverage and all the latest news about the new Wentworth series.

All image credits- Socratis Otto Instagram