[1] Carlton has been a professional actor since the age of 14 and has appeared in many television series from Young Ramsay to A Country Practice, Home and away, Blue Heelers, Water Rats, Fireflies, McLeod's Daughters and All Saints.

[2] He has also appeared in many movies including Emu Runner, Strange Bedfellows, You Can't Stop the Murders and The Year My Voice Broke.

Carlton trained with the Australian Theatre for Young People in Sydney, Australia for many years learning the foundations of acting for screen and stage.

The mini-series rated strongly over two nights on 17 and 18 April 2011 and his performance, along with co-star Asher Keddie as Ita Buttrose, was well received by audiences and critics alike.

Carlton spent some of his early years on Sydney's Northern Beaches, and attended Mona Vale Public School.