Australian movie stars born in 1909
Here are 5 famous actors from Australia were born in 1909:
Robert Helpmann
Robert Helpmann (April 9, 1909 Mount Gambier-September 28, 1986 Sydney) also known as Robert Murray Helpman, Sir Robert Helpmann, Sir Bobby or Bobby was an Australian actor, dancer, film director and choreographer.
He started his career as a ballet dancer, and eventually became the principal dancer of the Sadler's Wells Ballet (now the Royal Ballet) in London. Helpmann was a versatile performer, and he appeared in various productions throughout his career, including films, stage productions, and television programs.
In addition to his work as a performer, Helpmann was also a well-respected choreographer, and he created several ballets throughout his career. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1964, and was later knighted in 1968 for his contributions to the arts.
Helpmann was also known for his work in film, and he appeared in several notable movies throughout his career, including "The Red Shoes" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." He was also a frequent collaborator of director Powell and Pressburger.
Throughout his life, Helpmann was a highly regarded figure in the arts community, and he was known for his creative vision and dedication to his craft.
In addition to his many accomplishments, Robert Helpmann was also a pioneer in the Australian arts scene. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Australian Ballet, which he co-founded in 1962 with fellow dancer and choreographer, Peggy van Praagh. Helpmann served as the company's artistic director for several years, and his contributions helped to establish ballet as a serious art form in Australia.
Helpmann was also an accomplished actor, and he appeared in several stage productions and films throughout his career. One of his most notable roles was as the sinister Child Catcher in the film "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." Despite the character's dark nature, Helpmann's portrayal was praised for its energy and charisma.
Throughout his life, Helpmann remained an active member of the arts community, and he continued to perform and create new works until his death in 1986. Today, he is remembered as a true icon of Australian culture, and his contributions to the arts continue to inspire and influence generations of performers and artists.
Chips Rafferty
Chips Rafferty (March 26, 1909 Broken Hill-May 27, 1971 Sydney) also known as John William Pilbean Goffage, 'Chips' Rafferty, Chips or Chips Rafferty MBE was an Australian actor, film producer and screenwriter.
He starred in numerous Australian and British films, including "The Overlanders," "Sons of Matthew," and "Jedda." Rafferty was a founding member of the Council of Australian Film Directors and was instrumental in the development of the Australian film industry. He received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1960 for his services to the film industry. Rafferty was deeply committed to Australian culture and his work helped to establish Australian cinema on the world stage.
Rafferty was born in Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia, and began his career as an electrician before becoming an actor. He started his acting career in the theater before transitioning to film. Rafferty had a commanding presence and was known for his tough exterior, which made him a natural fit for many of his roles. He was also a talented writer and producer, and he owned his own production company, which further contributed to his influence in the film industry.
Rafferty's most famous role was in the film "The Overlanders," which was a critical and commercial success. He also starred in "Sons of Matthew", which was the first Australian film to be nominated for an Academy Award. Rafferty's popularity continued into the 1960s, and he appeared in several successful films, including "Jedda", which was one of the first Australian films to explore the lives of Indigenous Australians.
Throughout his career, Rafferty remained committed to promoting Australian cinema and culture. He was a tireless advocate for the industry and worked to encourage the development of local talent. His legacy lives on today, and he is remembered as one of the pioneers of Australian cinema.
Alan Marshal
Alan Marshal (January 29, 1909 Sydney-July 13, 1961 Chicago) otherwise known as Alan Marshall or Alan Willey was an Australian actor. His child is called Kit Marshal.
Alan Marshal began his acting career in Australia before moving to Hollywood in the 1930s where he appeared in several films, including "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "The Adventures of Robin Hood." He later worked on Broadway, and during World War II, he served in the US Army. After the war, he made several appearances on television shows such as "Perry Mason" and "The Twilight Zone." Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Marshal struggled with alcoholism and died in 1961 at the age of 52.
During his time in Hollywood, Alan Marshal was briefly married to the actress Mary Healy, though they divorced in 1940. He later married the actress Mary Meade in 1946, with whom he had his only child, Kit Marshal. In addition to his acting career, Marshal was also known for his interest in aviation and was a licensed pilot. He even served as a flight instructor during World War II. Despite his struggles with alcoholism, Marshal was remembered by his colleagues as a talented and charming actor.
Errol Flynn
Errol Flynn (June 20, 1909 Hobart-October 14, 1959 Vancouver) a.k.a. Errol Leslie Thomson Flynn, Leslie Flynn, The Tasmanian Devil, Flynny, Rolly, Satan's Angel or The Baron was an Australian actor, film producer, screenwriter and writer. He had four children, Sean Flynn, Rory Flynn, Deirdre Flynn and Arnella Roma Flynn.
Flynn was best known for his roles in adventure films, including "Captain Blood," "The Adventures of Robin Hood," and "The Sea Hawk." He was also known for his classic good looks and his off-screen escapades, including several marriages and a reputation as a party animal. Despite his personal controversies, Flynn was a successful actor and producer, and his films still hold up as classic examples of Hollywood swashbuckling. Flynn died at the age of 50 from a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most iconic actors of his generation.
Flynn began his career as a stage actor in London before moving to Hollywood in the late 1930s. He quickly became a leading man in cinema, with his charming and adventurous on-screen persona making him a fan favorite. Despite his success, however, Flynn faced personal struggles in his private life, including numerous legal and financial troubles.
In addition to his film career, Flynn was also an accomplished writer, penning several books on his travels and experiences. He was also known for his love of sailing and owned several yachts throughout his life.
Flynn's legacy has endured long after his death, with his swashbuckling films remaining popular with audiences today. He is regarded as one of the greatest actors to come out of the golden age of Hollywood and continues to be an icon of classic cinema.
Brian Lawrance
Brian Lawrance (October 13, 1909 Adelaide-October 1, 1983) otherwise known as Brian Lawrence and His Lansdowne Band or Brian Lawrence was an Australian actor.
Lawrance was a prolific actor often seen in supporting roles in British cinema during the 1950s and 1960s. He appeared in over 80 films and television programmes. Lawrance's notable film credits include "The Lavender Hill Mob" (1951), "Genevieve" (1953), and "Dunkirk" (1958). He was also a regular on the small screen, appearing in shows such as "The Sweeney" (1975-1976).
In addition to his acting career, Lawrance was a talented musician and bandleader. He formed the Lansdowne Band in 1941 and the group went on to perform extensively throughout Australia and the United Kingdom. Lawrance played the saxophone and clarinet, and his band was known for their swing and jazz music.
Lawrance passed away in 1983 at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy as a multi-talented performer and musician.
During his early years, Lawrance trained to be a butcher, but he soon realized that his true passion lay in music and acting. After working with various bands in Australia, he went to England in the early 1940s to pursue a career in music. However, his plans were interrupted by the outbreak of World War II, and he joined the Royal Air Force. After the war, Lawrance resumed his music career, and his Lansdowne Band became one of the most popular dance bands in the UK. In addition to performing music, Lawrance also composed songs and arranged music for his band.
Despite his success as a bandleader, Lawrance continued to pursue his acting career. He quickly made a name for himself in British cinema, and his tall, imposing figure and deep voice made him a natural for the roles of authority figures such as police officers, military officers, and judges. He also appeared in several popular television shows, including "The Avengers" and "Dixon of Dock Green".
Off-screen, Lawrance was known for his generosity and kindness. He regularly visited hospitals and children's homes to perform music and entertain the patients and residents. He was also a devoted family man, and he and his wife, Mary, were married for over 50 years.