Liam Hemsworth has a confession: he lied.

"Now, about volleyball stuff," he smiles, blushing as he recalls the spirited beachside matches he plays in Disney's new drama, "The Last Song."

"I told the producers that I could play to get the job. Then we started shooting and I was awful. But, you get the job and work it out later," says Hemsworth, 20.

That "work" meant volleyball boot camp three times weekly for the Hollywood newcomer.

It was a pittance to pay for landing the role that has transformed the little-known Aussie TV star into Hollywood's hot new find. He was named by Details magazine as one of "The Next Generation of Hollywood's Leading Men."

"The Last Song" has already helped Hemsworth land the lead in "Arabian Nights, a 3-D action-adventure to be helmed by "Scorpion King" director Chuck Russell.

Yet, the real buzz about Hemsworth began once he started dating Miley Cyrus in 2009 on the set of "The Last Song." The film was written for Cyrus by novelist Nicholas Sparks, whose best-selling love stories include Hollywood adaptations such as "The Notebook," and this year's "Dear John."

Cyrus stars as Ronnie Miller, a troubled teen who is exiled to a southern, beachside town after a shoplifting incident in New York.

Hemsworth plays Will Blakelee, a good-natured rich kid who stands by Ronnie after tragedy strikes.

"Nicholas has this gift for creating stories that people can relate to. ‘The Last Song' is no different," says Hemsworth.

This boy-girl romance plays against broader family issues such as divorce, separation, betrayal and death.

These deeper layers bolster the film's real focus, which concerns the reconciliation of Ronnie and her father before the man's death.

"Miley and I never over-talked our scenes. There was no need. Both us of felt this connection to our roles that was easy but intense," says Hemsworth.

One of the best moments they share comes when Will discusses his brother's tragic death.

Revealed against cheerful blue skies and the ocean's quiet lull, Hemsworth never saps it up. As Hemsworth says, "I just didn't feel Will would cry in front of the girl he loves."

His believable, tear-free confession steals the show from the "Hannah Montana" star.

Born in Melbourne, Australia, Hemsworth was best known for his role as Josh Taylor in the soap opera "Neighbours." He also appeared on the children's television series, "The Elephant Princess."

Hemsworth moved to the U.S. in March of 2009 to test for he lead in Kenneth Branagh's upcoming action-adventure, "Thor."

He lost the role to his brother, 26-year-old actor Chris Hemsworth, in May of 2009.

The same week Disney signed Hemsworth for "The Last Song."

"'The Last Song' is the biggest thing I've done so far. It could change a lot of things for me," says Hemsworth.

Starting with "Arabian Nights," a movie that could turn Hemsworth into Hollywood's new action man.

"If it does I'll be thrilled," says Hemsworth.

"I love action movies and guys like Matt Damon and Mark Wahlberg," says Hemsworth. "If I can make pics like these guys do I'll be ecstatic."