Australian movie stars born in 1920
Here are 7 famous actors from Australia were born in 1920:
Leo McKern
Leo McKern (March 16, 1920 Sydney-July 23, 2002 Bath) a.k.a. Reginald McKern, Reginald "Leo" McKern, Leo McKern AO or Reginald "Leo" McKern, AO was an Australian actor, screenwriter and voice actor. He had two children, Abigail McKern and Harriet McKern.
Leo McKern rose to fame for his stellar performances on stage, television and in films. He began his acting career in the theatre, working with the Old Vic and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Some of his notable stage performances include his portrayals of King Lear and Iago in Othello.
McKern ventured into television and starred in several popular shows, including the British crime drama series "Rumpole of the Bailey," in which he played the iconic character of Horace Rumpole. He was awarded a BAFTA award for Best Actor for his performance in the series.
In his film career spanning over four decades, McKern appeared in numerous films such as "The Mouse That Roared," "The Beatles' Help!," and "A Man for All Seasons." He was also known for his role as the villain Number 2 in the cult classic TV series "The Prisoner."
Apart from acting, McKern was also a screenwriter and a voice actor. He lent his voice to the character of the villainous Rat in the animated film "The Wind in the Willows."
Leo McKern was honored with several awards throughout his career, including the Order of Australia and the Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 82.
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Michael Pate
Michael Pate (February 26, 1920 Drummoyne-September 1, 2008 Gosford) a.k.a. Edward John Pate was an Australian actor, screenwriter, film producer, author, voice actor and film director. His child is called Christopher Pate.
Michael Pate had a prolific career in the film and television industries. He started his acting career in Australia in the 1940s and later moved to Hollywood to pursue his acting career. He had memorable roles in classic Hollywood films like "The Guns of Navarone," "Kangaroo," and "The Court Jester."
Aside from acting, Pate also worked as a screenwriter and film producer, and he authored several books. He directed a few films as well, including the Australian film, "Timberland Terror."
Pate's voice was also recognizable in the animated series, "Thunderbirds," where he voiced the character, General X. He also lent his voice for the animated film, "The Rescuers Down Under."
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Pate was a decorated World War II veteran, having served in the Australian Army.
Michael Pate passed away in 2008 at the age of 88 in Gosford, New South Wales, Australia.
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Joe Kirkwood, Jr.
Joe Kirkwood, Jr. (May 30, 1920 Melbourne-) also known as Junior Joe Kirkwood, Joseph Henry Kirkwood Jr. or Joe Kirkwood is an Australian golfer and actor.
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Joe Kirkwood, Jr. began playing golf at a young age and soon became a standout player. He turned professional in 1937 and won his first tournament, the Queensland Open, the following year. Kirkwood went on to win numerous tournaments throughout his career, including the Australian Open in 1950 and 1952.
In addition to his golfing success, Kirkwood also pursued a career in acting. He appeared in several films in the 1930s and 1940s, often playing the role of a golfer. His most notable film role was in the 1941 comedy "Follow the Leader."
After retiring from competitive golf in the 1960s, Kirkwood continued to work in the golf industry as a course designer and instructor. He also wrote several instructional books on golf.
Kirkwood's legacy in the golf world is honored through the Joe Kirkwood Cup, which is awarded to the winner of the Australian PGA Championship.
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Kevin Brennan
Kevin Brennan (September 12, 1920 Australia-December 17, 1998 Banstead) otherwise known as Kevin Martin Brennan was an Australian actor.
He is best known for his performances in the films "The Naked Bunyip" (1970), "The Man from Snowy River" (1982), and "Robbery Under Arms" (1985). Brennan was also a prominent figure in Australian theatre, appearing in numerous stage productions throughout his career. He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of "King Lear" in 1977 and received a lifetime achievement award at the Australian Performing Arts Centre in 1992. Outside of his acting career, Brennan was also a passionate advocate for animal rights and was actively involved in animal welfare organizations. He passed away in Banstead, Surrey in 1998 at the age of 78.
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Allan Cuthbertson
Allan Cuthbertson (April 7, 1920 Perth-February 8, 1988 London) otherwise known as Allan Darling Cuthbertson or Alan Cuthbertson was an Australian actor and soldier.
During World War II, Cuthbertson joined the British Army and served as a paratrooper in the 7th Parachute Battalion. After being discharged from the army, he pursued acting and made appearances in a number of British films and television shows throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Some of his notable film appearances include "The Guns of Navarone" (1961) and "The 39 Steps" (1959). He also had a recurring role in the TV series "The Avengers" (1961-1969). Cuthbertson was known for playing authoritative figures such as military officers and government officials. He was awarded the Order of Australia in 1985 for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
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Willie Fennell
Willie Fennell (January 1, 1920 Bondi-September 9, 1992 Sydney) otherwise known as Willy Fennell, "Phooey" Fennell, Willie Fennel, Willy Fennel or Willie Funnel was an Australian actor. He had one child, Jane Fennell.
During his career, Willie Fennell appeared in over 30 films and numerous television shows, becoming a well-known figure in the Australian entertainment industry. He began his acting career in the 1940s, first appearing on stage before transitioning to screen and establishing himself as a popular comedic actor. Some of his most notable film roles include "Three in One" (1957), "The Scamp" (1957), and "The Naked Bunyip" (1970). In addition to his acting work, Fennell was also a radio host and worked as a writer and producer for television. He passed away in 1992 at the age of 72, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Australian film and television.
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Henry Murdoch
Henry Murdoch (September 12, 1920 Murgon-April 24, 1987 Rockhampton) also known as Henry Murdock or George Henry Murdock was an Australian actor.
He began his acting career on stage in the 1940s, before transitioning to film and television in the 1950s. Murdoch appeared in several well-known Australian TV series, including "Homicide" and "Matlock Police." He also had roles in feature films, such as "The Man from Snowy River" and "The Lighthorsemen." In addition to his acting work, Murdoch was a respected acting teacher and director, and he helped to establish the Queensland Theatre Company. He was awarded the Order of Australia in 1980 for his contributions to the performing arts in Australia.
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