Here are 5 famous actors from Australia died at 58:
Brian Syron (November 19, 1934 Balmain-October 14, 1993 Balmain) was an Australian screenwriter, actor, film director, theatre director and advocate.
Syron was recognized for his contributions as an Indigenous Australian to the arts and cultural sector. He belonged to the Wiradjuri and Worimi peoples of New South Wales and was an active member of the Aboriginal community. He co-founded the first Aboriginal theatre group, the National Black Theatre in Sydney in the 1970s, with Bob Maza.
Syron also had a prolific acting career, with appearances in many Australian TV shows and films including Prisoner, The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, and Mad Max. He was a vocal activist for Indigenous Australian rights and strove to bring attention to the political issues that his community faced.
As a filmmaker, Syron directed the feature film "Backroads," which explored issues of race and identity in Australia. The film was critically acclaimed and is regarded as a landmark in Australian cinema. Syron also wrote and directed "Black Man Down," which was released in 1986 and dealt with the struggles of Indigenous Australians in a post-colonial society.
Syron's legacy lives on through his contributions to the Australian film, theatre, and political scenes, and his advocacy for the rights of Indigenous Australians. He remains an inspiration to many in the Australian arts community.
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Richard Franklin (July 15, 1948 Melbourne-July 11, 2007 Melbourne) also known as Richard Bruce or Richard Lacey was an Australian film director, writer, film producer, screenwriter and actor.
He died as a result of prostate cancer.
Richard Franklin's career spanned over three decades and included over twenty feature films. He is often recognized as one of the most prominent figures in the Ozploitation film movement of the 1970s and 1980s.
Franklin's career began in the late 1960s as a documentary filmmaker, but he transitioned into feature films in the 70s with the release of his first feature, "The True Story of Eskimo Nell" (1975).
He gained international recognition for his horror film "Road Games" (1981), which starred Jamie Lee Curtis and Stacy Keach. The film received critical acclaim and was praised for its Hitchcockian-style suspense and innovative camerawork.
Other notable films directed by Franklin include "Psycho II" (1983), "Cloak & Dagger" (1984), and "F/X2" (1991). He also directed episodes of popular TV shows such as "Matlock" and "Beauty and the Beast".
Aside from directing, Franklin also taught film at various institutions including the University of Southern California and the Australian Film Television and Radio School.
In addition to his film career, Franklin was a noted cinephile and collector of film memorabilia. He was also a respected film critic and contributed to various publications such as "Cinema Papers" and "Variety".
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John Farrow (February 10, 1904 Sydney-January 27, 1963 Beverly Hills) otherwise known as John N.B. Villiers-Farrow, John Villiers Farrow, John V. Farrow or John Villiers Farrow, CBE KGCHS was an Australian screenwriter, film director, film producer, actor, television director and writer. His children are called Tisa Farrow, Prudence Farrow, Mia Farrow, Stephanie Farrow, John Charles Farrow, Felice Patricia Farrow, Michael Damien Farrow, Patrick Joseph Farrow and Patrick Villiers Farrow.
He died caused by myocardial infarction.
During his career, John Farrow directed over 50 films, including the 1945 noir classic "The Big Clock" and the 1953 musical "South Sea Woman". He was also a prolific screenwriter, with notable credits including the screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock's "The Two Mrs. Carrolls" and an Academy Award nomination for "Around the World in 80 Days". Farrow's personal life was just as eventful as his professional one. He was married three times, first to the actress Maureen O'Sullivan, then to the writer and actress Mary Ure, and finally to the model and actress Beverly Tyler. In addition to his famous children, Farrow is also the grandfather of actress and singer-songwriter, Dierdre Friel.
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O.P. Heggie (September 17, 1877 Angaston-February 7, 1936 Los Angeles) also known as O. P. Heggie or Oliver Peters Heggie was an Australian actor.
He died as a result of pneumonia.
Heggie appeared in over 100 films throughout his career, including notable roles in "The Unholy Three" (1925), "Camille" (1936), and "The Bride of Frankenstein" (1935). He was known for his deep voice and imposing stage presence, often playing characters of authority or dignity. Before pursuing acting, Heggie studied law and worked as a solicitor in Australia. He eventually left his legal career to pursue his passion for the arts, touring with theatrical companies both in Australia and England before making his way to Hollywood. Despite his success as an actor, Heggie was known for being reserved and private, preferring to keep a low profile outside of his work.
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John Cosgrove (April 5, 1867 Australia-August 11, 1925) also known as James Cosgrave, Jack Cosgrove, James Cosgrove or The Great Australian Bite was an Australian actor, film director and screenwriter. He had two children, Noel Cosgrove and Bill Cosgrove.
Cosgrove began his acting career in the late 1800s in Australia, before moving to America in 1909. He quickly made a name for himself in Hollywood, appearing in over 100 films and directing several others. He was known for his work in the silent film era, both as an actor and as a director.
Cosgrove was also known for his sometimes controversial personal life. He was married and divorced four times, and had a reputation for being a ladies' man. He was also known for his heavy drinking and partying lifestyle.
Despite his personal troubles, Cosgrove was a talented filmmaker and actor, and his contributions to the early days of Hollywood helped shape the film industry as we know it today. He passed away in 1925 at the age of 58, leaving behind a legacy that still influences filmmakers today.
Read more about John Cosgrove on Wikipedia »