Australian movie stars died in 2008
Here are 8 famous actors from Australia died in 2008:
Heath Ledger
Heath Ledger (April 4, 1979 Perth-January 22, 2008 New York City) also known as Heathcliff Andrew Ledger, Heath Andrew Ledger or Heathy was an Australian actor and music video director. His child is called Matilda Ledger.
Heath Ledger first gained recognition for his role in the comedy-drama television series 'Sweat' which aired in Australia in the late 1990s. He later moved to the United States where he starred in prominent films such as '10 Things I Hate About You', 'A Knight's Tale', 'Brokeback Mountain', and 'The Dark Knight'. For his role as the Joker in the latter, he posthumously won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Aside from his successful acting career, Heath Ledger was also a talented music video director, having directed several music videos for artists such as Ben Harper and Modest Mouse. He was known for his dedication to his craft and his willingness to take on challenging and complex roles, which made him a highly respected actor in both Australia and Hollywood.
Tragically, Heath Ledger passed away in 2008 at the age of 28 due to an accidental overdose of prescription drugs. His death was a shock to the entertainment industry and his fans around the world, who mourned the loss of such a talented actor at a young age.
Read more about Heath Ledger on Wikipedia »
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.
Read more about Michael Pate on Wikipedia »
Mark Priestley
Mark Priestley (August 9, 1976 Perth-August 27, 2008 Sydney) a.k.a. Mark Priestly was an Australian actor.
He was best known for his role as Dan Goldman on the popular Australian TV drama, "All Saints". Priestley began his acting career in the late 1990s and went on to appear in several other television shows and films such as "Stingers", "White Collar Blue", and "My Brother Jack". In addition to his acting work, Priestley was also a talented musician and had a passion for photography. Sadly, he passed away in 2008 at the young age of 32, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a devoted fanbase.
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Lloyd Lamble
Lloyd Lamble (February 8, 1914 Melbourne-March 17, 2008 Falmouth) also known as Lloyd Nelson Lamble was an Australian actor. He had four children, Elizabeth Lamble, Lloyd Wallis Lamble, Caroline Lamble and Tim Lamble.
Lamble appeared in over 50 films and TV shows, including the role of Colonel von Stauffenberg in the 1955 film "The Dam Busters." He also had recurring roles in several popular TV shows of the time, such as "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "The Saint." In addition to his acting career, Lamble also served in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II. After retiring from acting in the 1970s, he moved to Falmouth, Cornwall, where he lived until his death in 2008 at the age of 94.
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Robert Bruning
Robert Bruning (May 27, 1928 Dongara-March 4, 2008 Wellington) a.k.a. Robert Bell was an Australian actor, film producer, television producer and screenwriter. He had four children, Nic Bruning, Ariane Bruning, Lucie Bruning and Sophie Bruning.
Robert Bruning began his career as an actor in the 1950s and appeared in several films before transitioning into producing and writing. He co-produced the film "Alvin Purple," which became a major box office hit in Australia in the 1970s. Bruning also produced and wrote for various television series, including "Homicide" and "Prisoner." In addition to his work in film and television, Bruning was also involved in the Australian theatre scene, serving as the general manager of the Melbourne Theatre Company in the 1980s. He was awarded the Order of Australia for his contributions to the arts in 2004.
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Andrew Harwood
Andrew Harwood (September 7, 1945-February 6, 2008) was an Australian actor.
He was born in Melbourne, Victoria and began his career as a stage actor, before moving on to television and film. Harwood appeared in numerous Australian TV shows and films, including Neighbours, Blue Heelers, Stingers and The Secret Life of Us. He also had a recurring role on the popular Australian soap opera Home and Away.
In addition to his acting work, Harwood was also a proficient voice actor and lent his voice to many children's television shows, including Blinky Bill, The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and Friends, and The Fairies. He was known for his versatility, having portrayed a wide range of characters throughout his career.
Andrew Harwood passed away in 2008 at the age of 62 due to complications from heart surgery. His contribution to Australian entertainment industry is still celebrated today with posthumous recognitions and memorials.
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Alan Dargin
Alan Dargin (July 13, 1967 Wee Waa-February 24, 2008 Darlinghurst) also known as Dargin, Alan was an Australian didgeridooist and actor.
He was part of the Aboriginal community and grew up playing traditional instruments. Dargin became known for his fiery and powerful performances, blending traditional rhythms with contemporary sounds. He performed all over the world, including at the Sydney Olympics and the Edinburgh Festival. In addition to his music career, Dargin also acted in several films and television shows, including "The Tracker" and "Ten Canoes". He was a strong advocate for Indigenous rights and culture, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and artists today.
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David Nettheim
David Nettheim (July 10, 1925 Sydney-March 11, 2008 Sydney) a.k.a. David Cosman Nettheim or David Netheim was an Australian actor, film director and screenwriter.
He began his acting career in the 1940s and appeared in over 30 films, including "The Overlanders" (1946) and "Wake in Fright" (1971). Nettheim also directed and wrote several films, including "Petersen" (1974) and "My Brilliant Career" (1979). In addition to his work in film, Nettheim also worked as a stage actor and director. He was a founding member of the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney, which still operates today. Nettheim was widely respected in the Australian film and theater communities and was known for his dedication to the craft. He passed away at the age of 82.
Read more about David Nettheim on Wikipedia »