Angela Punch McGregor: Sydney, Australia - 68
Angela Punch McGregor is a trailblazing star who hails from Australia. She is a veteran of both stage acting and film, making her one of the most versatile actresses in that part of the world. Some hit movies with Angela's name in the credits include: 'Newsfront, The Delinquents, Spotswood, Terra Nova, and Tom White.'
Aside from the big screen, this talented actress managed to pivot to television, where she had roles in 'Class of '75' and 'Alvin Purple.' Despite being massively successful, Angela is quite accessible and generous as she has been linked to various acting classes geared towards the younger generation.
Anthony LaPaglia: Adelaide, Australia - 62
Anthony LaPaglia is an Australian actor who has featured in classic movies such as 'Empire Records' and 'Autumn In New York.' Moreover, the prolific actor had a recurrent role on the hit show 'Without a Trace,' where he portrayed special agent Jack Malone. His time on the series saw him win a Golden Globe Award for best actor in a television series.
LaPaglia was born to a model mum and a mechanic father in Adelaide, South Australia. Before venturing into acting, the young man was a shoe salesman for 'Florsheim shoes' as he studied acting in his spare time. Currently, Anthony resides in Santa Monica, California, where he's actively performing.
Allan Border: Cremorne, Australia - 66
Allan Robert Border is a legendary cricketer from Australia who has had an illustrious career, even clinching the record for most amassed test runs. This record stood for worldwide before eventually being broken by Brian Lara in 2006 and lasted for 15 years in Australia before being broken in July 2009 by Ricky Ponting.
Despite retiring from international cricket, Allan continued participating in the sport, and he even managed to win the Sheffield Shield. Currently, Allan is focused on various business ventures, meaning he has less time for cricket, though he still plays from time to time. He's also penned a best-selling autobiography titled ' Beyond Ten Thousand: My Life Story.'
Paul Hogan: Sydney, Australia –82
Paul Hogan rose to fame with his breakthrough portrayal of Mick Dundee in the 1986 movie 'Crocodile Dundee,' which he also co-wrote and gained great commercial and critical success for. His performance also earned him a 'Golden Globe Award' for Best Actor, along with several significant nominations.
Even so, Hogan's climb to success began almost two decades back in the early 1970s when he first appeared on the talent show 'New Faces.' From there, he moved on to making regular but small appearances on the program 'A Current Affair' and then writing and producing his comedy show 'The Paul Hogan Show' that put him on the map. Hogan last appeared on 'The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee,' which was released in 2020.
Jack Thompson: Sydney - 81
Jack Thompson was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia title in 1986 for his services to the film industry. This Australian actor, nonetheless, is most widely known for his appearances in 1978's 'The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith' and 1980's 'Breaker Morant.' At the beginning of his career, he had a job at the United Nations and tried to balance it with acting, but ended up going with acting after all.
Jack moved on to star in several other acclaimed Australian films including 'The Man from Snowy River,' and won both AFI and Cannes acting awards. At 65 years old, he was recognized by the Film Critics Circle of Australia, which handed him a lifetime achievement award.
Jacki Weaver: Sydney - 74
Jacki Weaver is an iconic Australian actress popularly known for her stunning performances in the 2010 film 'Animal Kingdom' and 2012's 'Silver Linings Playbook.' Her consistent appearances and excellent portrayals turned her into a renowned actress with many awards and nominations to vouch for her talent.
Despite crossing the 70-year mark, the veteran actress still has numerous projects lined up for her and doesn't seem to be considering retirement yet. When not researching for a new role or performing on a movie set, Weaver likes to spend time with her husband, South African actor Sean Taylor, in their Los Angeles home.
Judy Davis: Perth - 66
Judy Davis has been commended for the vigor she brings to every role and is regarded as one of the finest and highly talented actresses of her generation. This seasoned star counts more than four remarkable decades in showbiz.
Judy's work on stage and her portrayal of diverse characters in films and TV series has received consistent praise and added to the number of nominations and awards she has already gathered. In her sixties, the unique icon is still making appearances that captivate her audience, which proves without an atom of doubt that she will always be a formidable star in the acting business.
Judy Morris: Queensland - 74
Judy Morris started as a child actress, appearing on our screens until 1999, when she moved on to writing and directing films. Even though one of her most widely recognized works is 'Happy Feet,' Judy is best known for 'The Picture Show Man' and 'The Eye of the Storm,' both of which she had a hand in directing.
She has been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia title and has appeared in over 54 television series including 'Bangkok Hilton' and 'The Last Frontier.' In 2008, Judy played herself in 'Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation' and was nominated for an AACTA Award for best adapted screenplay three years later.
Barry Humphries: Kew, Australia – 87
The whole of Australia probably knows who Barry Humphries is; although, his alter-ego, Edna Everage, probably eclipsed the actor when it comes to fame. Of course, it's nothing to get envious about; after all, it's still Humphries who's reaping the benefits. The actor created the famous character while riding the 'Melbourne Theatre Company' tour bus in the mid-1950s.
Some people may wonder why he created an extravagantly dressed homemaker instead of a persona that's much close to him, and the answer lies in the comedian's childhood home life. According to Humphries, he spent hours playing dress-up with costumes bought by his parents. Somewhat semi-retired, the star's last notable work was narrating the documentary 'The Magical Land of Oz.'
Jeff Fatt: Australia - 68
Many of us grew up listening to 'The Wiggles,' so we should already know that the genius responsible for all that magic was Jeff Fatt. He is a musician, actor, and composer who brought smiles to kids across the globe with the well-known children's music group he founded in 1991.
Since he also appeared in various film and TV projects from 'The Wiggles Movie' to 'Wiggly Waffle,' he received an ARIA Hall of Fame Award in 2011 for his remarkable contribution to the arts. The legend now lives a low-profile quiet life and lets his music carry his legacy forward.
John Brumpton: Australia - 63
Suppose one needs advice on sustaining a screen career for three decades and building an incredible legacy while at it, the Australian actor John Brumpton is the right person to ask. He is recognized as one of the hardest working actors because he never turns down an offer as long as it is paid.
The iconic actor made his debut in the 1989 film 'The Flying Doctor' and then proceeded to become a professional boxer and surveyor. Still, John remained focused on his acting career and gathered multiple film and theatre credits to his name. He is one of the few actors in their sixties who remain energetic and active in the industry.
Bryan Brown: Panania, Australia – 74
Bryan Brown started acting in the early 1970s, appearing in minor roles, until eventually, he found himself cast as the lead in the low-budget film 'Third Person Plural.' With the exposure, the star soon found himself getting film projects one after another. Nonetheless, the TV series 'A Town Like Alice' made Brown an international star.
So naturally, he caught the attention of Hollywood and was cast alongside Richard Chamberlain in the miniseries 'The Thorn Birds.' It was at the series' set that he met Rachel Ward, his long-time wife. Despite his age, the actor is still very actively involved in the industry - Bryan is not only an actor today but also a producer.
David Field: Australia – 60
It's not surprising that some fans go ga-ga over big stars like Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio and pay much attention to character actors. Even so, the group is a vital part of the movie industry since, without them, no supporting roles would get played. Therefore, David Field deserves a lot of respect because of the work he has put in as a character actor.
Fans best remember the star as Acko in 'Two Hands,' a Heath Ledger-led film considered the Australian 'Goodfellas.' Later in his life, Field ventured into directing with his first project being 'The Combination,' which received great feedback from critics. In addition to acting and directing, the 'Mortal Kombat' star is also a teacher at 'Screenwise.'
Shane Withington: Toowoomba, Australia - 63
Shane Withington now lives with Anne Tenney in Pittwater with their daughter Maddie. You might know him best for playing surf guard John Palmer in 'Home and Away,' a classic Australian series.
Launching into household status with his role as Brendan Jones in 'A Country Practice,' Withington has starred in several Australian dramas throughout his career, along with the BBC drama 'Out of the Blue.' Anne, his wife, was his on-screen wife on 'A Country Practice' before they were married. However, it seems like Withington is choosing to focus on his best-known series 'Home and Away,' as he isn't working on any other projects; he also appears to be devoting his time to the series and his family.
Sigrid Thornton: Canberra, Australia - 62
After years under the training of theatre director Joan Whalley, Sigrid Thornton received her big break as Rosa Campbell-Praed in 'Looking Glass on Yesterday' when she performed for Queen Elizabeth II. Her career then took off, and her work includes titles like 'SeaChange' and 'The Man From Snowy River.'
Thornton is also adept at the stage, performing for the Melbourne Theatre Company and Opera Australia- all this while being married and a mom of two! She works for the Royal Children's Hospital, World Vision, and other causes and is also involved in helping to sustain the film industry along with Film Victoria.
Tracy Mann: Adelaide, Australia - 64
The beloved actress Tracy Mann can be best described as a trooper; after a break in 2015, she bounced back straight into work. Known for works like 'Hard Knocks' and 'Sweet and Sour', Tracy is a regular not just on the screen but also on the stage and on the radio.
She has been married to Scott Hartford-Davis since 2011 and considers herself a devout Buddhist. Tracy has constantly been working ever since her big break on 'The Box' in the 1970s, and other than the break that she had to take because of her health in 2015, she continues to work in all fields of media.
Heather Mitchell: Australia – 63
When Heather Mitchell first made her debut in film back in 1981, we doubt she knew how successful her career would turn out to be. Yet, over 100 movies and television shows later, the actress is now a household name in her native Australia and overseas, with her charming performances keeping audiences glued to their screens.
Heather is still grinding despite her extensive portfolio, taking up more diverse roles, showing just how talented she is. Without a doubt, this Aussie star is among the greatest performers of her time, and we look forward to seeing what she gets involved with next as everything Heather touches turns into a piece of creative genius.
Geoffrey Rush: Queensland, Australia – 70
While many people, having made loads of money from their careers and won coveted accolades, call it quits, Geoffrey Rush is different. Despite being among the only twenty-four people to win the Triple Crown of Acting, including the Primetime Emmy, Tony, and Academy Award, the actor is still active in the film business, looking to add to his already impressive portfolio.
Rush has enjoyed a successful career so far spanning over five decades, and with a $40 million fortune in his bank accounts, we bet when he finally chooses to retire, he will have more than enough to travel the world. Until then, though, let's enjoy this phenomenal performer's creative genius!
George Pell: Ballarat, Australia – 80
From being a footballer to becoming one of the most influential figures in religious circles, George Pell's life journey sounds like something from a work of fiction. Before joining the priesthood, the cardinal wanted to play professional football, and he signed for a team, only to get his calling and off to the seminary he went.
Pell rose the ranks in the Catholic Church to become an ordained cardinal who is second in command only to the Pope. When he is not working on his religious tasks, the revered priest is either penning best-selling books or is out delivering riveting talks, which are listened to by multitudes of people worldwide.
Germaine Greer: Melbourne, Australia – 82
Whenever people talk about revolutionary authors from our modern times, Germaine Greer's name never fails to get mentioned. The celebrated author has written over twenty books on various topics, most notably championing female freedom, creating awareness on environmental issues, and general literature. Her famous works include 'The Female Eunuch,' 'The Boy,' and 'White Beech: The Rainforest Years'.
The public intellectual has participated in several mind-blowing discussions. When she isn't writing a life-changing book, Greer writes columns for 'The Guardian,' 'The Spectator,' 'The Oldie' among other publications. The author currently splits her tie between her home in Essex, England, and Queensland, Australia.
David Oldfield: Manly, New South Wales – 63
If versatility needed an ambassador, David Oldfield would fit the part well. Even though his name is synonymous with politics, he has been involved in many different ventures over his years. In fact, David started out as a sportsman with a keen interest in swimming and shooting. That was before he tried his hand in business and finally settled in the political arena.
Even that journey is equally impressive as he stepped in as Alderman of the 'Manly Municipal Council' and ended up heading the 'Pauline Hanson's One Nation' party as a deputy leader! He may have retired from those duties since then, but David isn't done with gigs, since he has already started a career as a TV and radio host, while he resides in sunny Sydney.
Genevieve Lemon: Sydney, New South Wales – 63
Among all the top actresses that Australia has ever produced, Genevieve Lemon has to be on that list; she's made an indelible mark on the film and music industry. That's why we don't think there are many today who haven't come across her creative work, whether through soap operas or tunes on the radio.
For over four decades, Genevieve has wowed the masses with her flawless performances in numerous melodramas, including 'Home and Away,' 'The Young Doctors', and 'Neighbors,' among others. While most of her peers are looking to retire, the singer is still going strong, and we look forward to enjoying more of her massive talents.
Gosia Dobrowolska: Kamienna Gora, Poland – 63
For many people, when they move to a different country, they might struggle to adapt, and it takes them a while before they start making a living from their talents, but Gosia Dobrowolska is different. When the actress moved to Australia from Poland, she hit the ground running, starring in 'Silver City,' which kick-started her impressive showbiz career.
Gosia has appeared in numerous critically acclaimed films, including 'The Surfer,' 'A woman's Tale,' and 'Big Ideas,' among other productions. Yet, her last major outing on the big screen came in 1993. While there is no official information about her retirement, we bet Gosia will deliver a brilliant performance when the actress is ready to make a comeback.
Greta Scacchi: Milan, Italy – 61
If there is anyone who has mastered the art of graceful aging, it's the legendary Greta Scacchi. The actress has been in the film business since 1981, and while the pressure that comes with being a celebrity takes a toll on her contemporaries, Scacchi has somehow found a way of not letting it get to her.
Greta rose to fame after appearing in 'White Mischief,' and she has since starred in numerous commercially successful movies and television shows, including 'The Player' and 'Emma.' The award-winning actress is not one to shy away from using her influence for a good purpose, and she supports several environmental campaigns worldwide to date.
Herb Elliott: Subiaco Australia – 83
Widely considered among the greatest middle-distance runners of his time, Herb Elliott made a name for himself in the sport during the late 50s. After winning the Olympic gold medal in the 1960 edition, the athlete hung his boots at the tender age of 22. Entirely unexpected, right?
Well, Elliott chose to venture into business after leaving the tracks, and he thrived massively, heading one of the largest iron ore mining companies' Fortescue Metals Group' as well as holding managerial positions in 'Puma' and 'Ansell.' Currently, the former sprinter leads a quiet life away from the media, enjoying his retirement with his family.
Hugo Weaving: Ibadan, Colonial Nigeria - 61
Hugo Weaving became a household name from his debut TV appearance as the cricket captain Douglas Jardine in the 1984 series 'Bodyline.' This increased his fame and helped him bag more captivating roles in several prominent award-winning films like 'The Matrix' trilogy and 'V for Vendetta.'
The British actor who resides in Australia with his spouse of 25 years and two children is the recipient of multiple Australian acting awards and an ambassador for the Australian animal rights organization 'Voiceless.' Hugo, now in his sixties, is still very active in the entertainment industry and shows no sign of retiring soon.
Julia Blake: Bristol, England - 85
Julia Blake may have stepped away from show business in 2017, but fans would always recognize the English-born Australian actress for her remarkable acting performances. She even received the Equity Lifetime Achievement award jointly with her husband Terry Norris in 2018 for their contribution to the arts.
Gaining wide fame for her small role as Nancy McCormade on the Australian drama series 'Prisoner,' Julia has made many successful appearances in prominent movies like 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' and 'Innocence' amongst others. She may have left the limelight, but the star is still living the dream, enjoying her eighties as a successful wife, mother, and business manager.
Kerry Armstrong: Melbourne - 63
Named as one of the most famous stage and television actors in Australia, Kerry Armstrong's professional career started Down Under before she moved to Hollywood. In the United States, she starred in Tom Stoppard's theatrical play 'Dalliance,' and from there, her career grew to see the actress receive several award nominations.
In 2001, Kerry won an AFI award for being the best actress in a feature film. Additionally, she is a founding member of 'Big H'Art,' a non-profit theater organization concerned with empowering marginalized people in Australia. While she contributes her quota to the board regularly, on other days she dedicates her time to doing charity.
Kevin Bartlett: Victoria - 74
Avid fans of Australian rules football gave Kevin Bartlett the moniker 'Hungry' because on the field, he was known for always wanting to kick and score goals, but not always handpassing to his teammates. In his impressive career as a footballer, he was the first to play over 400 games. He also won many awards, including a Norm Smith medal.
Kevin went on to have a career in media after he retired from the game and is still a regular sports commentator on various programs. On Sundays, the former athlete gets to share his knowledge of the sport as a broadcaster on '3AW.'
Kris McQuade: New South Wales - 69
Kris McQuade started her long and illustrious entertainment career when she was just 17 years old. She participated in smaller projects before eventually landing her first major role in the soap opera 'Skyways,' which brought her to prominence. Among her many achievements was a best supporting actress recognition from AACTA for her performance in 'Fighting Back.'
Kris seems to be having fun playing a variety of roles. Aside from her long-running stint in 'Rosehaven,' she also appears in other productions. For example, in 2020 the actress portrayed a senior detective on 'The Gloaming,' while one year later fans saw her play a cargo plane pilot in 'Mortal Kombat.'
Leigh Matthews: Victoria - 69
Known to Australian football fans as "Lethal" because of his grit and hard work on the field, Leigh Matthews is still regarded among the most memorable players of the sport. He was in four league championship teams and an eight-time Best and Fairest Award recipient, beside numerous other accolades.
After he retired, Leigh remained connected to the sport he loved. He became a coach, and also joined the fray as a broadcast commentator. On 'Seven Network,' he provides color commentary for AFL matches. Leigh also contributes for the 'Herald Sun' and is a regular commentator for the broadcast team of '3AW.'
Lynette Curran: Australia - 76
When the soap opera 'Bellbird' first started, Lynette Curran was one of the original cast members. She went on to star in the program until 1974. Then, she worked for numerous movies and TV programs in the Land Down Under, where her memorable performance on the series 'Spring and Fall' earned her a Sammy Award.
Avid viewers know Lynette from her roles in 'Bed of Roses,' 'Wentworth,' and 'Harrow.' But her talents and skills go beyond Australia; for instance, in 2021 the actress was cast in the movie 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,' an enormous production that is part of the 'Marvel' cinematic universe.
Lynne McGranger: New South Wales - 68
Long-time viewers of the soap opera 'Home and Away' have been watching Lynn McGranger give life to the character of Irene Roberts since 1993. Although Jacquy Phillips was the first to play the character, when she left the show, Lynne was tapped to fill in the role—and the rest is history.
Truly historic, in fact, because Lynne holds the record for being the longest-serving female cast member in an Australian soap serial. But aside from 'Home and Away,' Lynne has tried other gigs in Australian entertainment, such as joining 'Dancing With The Stars' and showcasing her prowess. Interestingly, during the Christmas season, the actress likes to perform pantomimes.
Michael Caton: Queensland - 78
Michael Caton has had an enduring career in the entertainment industry, with roles in popular dramas, hosting gigs for lifestyle programs, and even competing in the Australian version of 'Dancing With The Stars.' But his most iconic role was that of Uncle Harry in 'The Sullivans,' which is still what most people remember him by.
The actor is now using his platform to call attention to the plight of farmers in the Narrabri and Pilliga regions, which will be affected by a billion-dollar gas project being planned in the area. Michael is specifically raising awareness about the negative impact of this venture on the regions' groundwater source.
Murray Cook: New South Wales - 61
Kids of the 1990s definitely know Murray Cook, one of the founding members of children's music group 'The Wiggles.' His contribution to the band included playing the guitar, composing songs, and providing vocals. When he retired, Murray didn't stray too far, as he is still helping with creative and productive aspects of the group.
In July 2020, he even organized a collaboration between original members of 'The Wiggles' to record a disco workout single. But Murray doesn't just make music for youngsters, and his career doesn't revolve solely around his old group; he is also a member of 'Soul Movers,' a soul-rock band.
Nicholas Hope: Manchester, England - 63
Although Australian, Nicholas Hope was actually born in the United Kingdom. At a young age, his family moved to Whyalla in South Australia, a town known for its steel and shipbuilding industries. But Nicholas decided to follow an artistic path, becoming an incredible actor, and even earning an AFI award for being the best actor in a leading role in 1994.
Nicholas juggles work between Australia and Europe, while some of his recent projects include two short films: 'The Suspect' and 'The Home Team.' He plays the role of Mr. Potts in the miniseries 'Born to Spy,' and was also cast in the 2021 film 'The Drover's Wife.'
Noni Hazlehurst: Melbourne - 68
It seems like Noni Hazlehurst has tried it all: acting, writing, directing, and hosting. Since the start of her career in the 1970s, she has built quite an impressive array of work for the stage, film, radio, and television. The multi-talented personality is also well-versed in piano, singing, and ballet, all of which have been helpful in her career.
Noni was very busy throughout 2020 and 2021, appearing in the miniseries 'The End' and 'Fires,' as well as in two films: 'Long Story Short' and 'June Again.' Radio listeners in Melbourne can also tune in to hear Noni on '774 ABC,' where she is a freelance presenter.
Olivia Newton-John: Cambridge, England - 73
Olivia Newton-John is one of the most popular and best-selling music artists worldwide. Throughout her career, she has sold approximately 100 million records globally, won four Grammy Awards, and scored many Billboard chart-toppers. Admirably, she has also earned several platinum and gold certifications from the 'Recording Industry Association of America.'
Olivia's 2021 has been a particularly busy year: she has released a new duet album which includes a heartwarming collaboration with her daughter Chloe. At the same time, the recording artist has launched the 'Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund,' that aims to fund ongoing research into medicinal plants for terminal illness.
Ray Meagher: Roma, Queensland - 77
Despite his career now nearing half a century in the entertainment industry, Ray Meagher has only worked on select projects. He is best known for his role as Alf Stewart from 'Home and Away .' he joined the series in 1989 when its first episode aired on television. Meagher is the only actor left from the original cast of the show.
The role makes him a 'Guinness World Record' holder for being the longest-running performer in an Australian television role. Meagher has also appeared in movies like 'The Journalist and 'On the Run' between 1978 and 1989. In 2009, the actor became the third highest-paid Australian media personality after Eddie McGuire and Rove McManus.
Richard Stilgoe: Camberley, Surrey - 78
Richard Stilgoe is known for his singing, humor, puzzles, charity work – of which humor has been the biggest tool in his climb to success in life. He later became a celebrated songwriter, lyricist, and musician. Stilgoe also emerged as a keen puzzler during his career, hosted many quiz programs, and even wrote books on the subject.
Though he could sing well from a young age, as an adult, it was the comedic songs that initially got the attention; Stilgoe did funny songs for the program 'Nationwide' on 'BBC' television and TV series 'That's Life.' The famed musician is also known for his involvement with various charities.
Richard Wilkins: Auckland, New Zealand - 67
The famous Australian television host and presenter Richard Wilkins needs no introduction. He joined Sydney radio stations as a marketing manager but quickly found himself on the other side of the microphone. The journey from being a radio jockey to a presenter was also rather quick, and he became the first host of 'MTV Australia' on channel 'Nine.'
Wilkins is the current entertainment editor for the 'Nine Network' and the co-host on 'Weekend Today.' Few people know today that the famed presenter actually started as a singer. One of his notable performances includes the Australian Olympics Team Song 'You're Not Alone,' which he sang alongside many other singers and rose to the top 30 singles on the charts.
Robyn Nevin: Melbourne, Australia - 79
Robyn Nevin may be an outstanding actress on television, but she has been the stage queen. She dedicated her entire life to the theatre, first as an actress and then as a director. Some of her best theatre plays include the likes of 'Women of Troy' and 'The Cherry Orchard.'
During the '90s, Nevin served as the head of both the 'Queensland Theatre Company' and 'Sydney Theatre Company.' She was promoted to the status of 'Officer' in the 'Queen's Birthday Honours 2020' for her distinguished service to the performing arts as an artist, mentor, and role model.
Rupert Murdoch: Melbourne, Victoria- 90
Like most successful, multi-billionaire business people of the world, Rupert Murdoch also started small in 1952 with his father's inheritance of a local newspaper that sold in the area of Adelaide. When Murdoch took the reins, he quickly started to expand his business acquiring big and small publications in Australia.
By the late '90s, he also started to take hold in the media industry in the UK and the USA. Today Murdoch is the 71st richest man in the world, 31st in the US, and owns the 'News Corp Group' with many news and cable television channels and hundreds of publications in Australia, the USA, and the UK.
Sandy Gore: Sydney, New South Wales - 71
Sandy Gore is a well-known name in Australia when it comes to stage performances. Having worked with 'Sydney Theatre Company' and 'Melbourne Theatre Company,' she made her name among the most household names of theatre productions.
Among Gore's most notable performances are the stage plays 'Wit' and 'The Taming of the Shrew, and her popular television projects include 'Newlyweds' and 'Brides of Christ.' She's also an award-winning film actress with movies like 'Norman Loves Roses' and 'Street Hero' to her credit. Sandy is still active with appearances on the television series 'The Unusual Suspects' in the role of Jeannie.
Wayne Gardner: Wollongong, Australia - 62
We know him best as the champion of the motorbike track. Wayne Gardner's story is the story of an apprentice steelworker who achieves great heights as Australia's first 500cc motorcycle champion; in other words, a true rags to riches story. The Wollongong Wiz is known on both two-wheeler and four-wheeler tracks, and he is no stranger to speed.
Both of Gardner's sons, Luca and Remy, have followed in his footsteps, and being the ever-supportive father, Wayne has no qualms about the same. Wayne still rides as part of a legends circuit that he established himself, for he never lets go of his passion.
Chong Lim: Ipoh, Malaysia – 63
There's no question that Chong Lim is one of Australia's national treasures. Although born in Ipoh, Malaysia, the land down under became the musician's second home, a place where he realized his ambitions. After graduating from the University of Melbourne with a mechanical engineering degree, Lim pursued his passion for music.
His most notable works include accompaniment for the ‘2000 Summer Olympics' and the Melbourne 2006 'Commonwealth Games.' Aside from that, the musical director also collaborates with singers John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John. Of course, he's worked longer with friend Farnham; in fact, they perform at tours and events together for many years. The duo's most recent appearance was in 2020 at the fund-raising event 'Fire Fight Australia.'
Colin Friels: Kilwinning, United Kingdom - 69
Colin Friels is an excellent example of someone who did not limit himself with a job he once had. Not many know that before he became an actor, Friels was a bricklayer's laborer. It wasn't surprising since his father was a carpenter and his mother was a French polisher. Still, the 'Malcolm' star had dreams of getting into acting, so he did everything to make it come true.
Soon after, he was enrolled at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), then graduated along with other Australian actors Michael Siberry and Linden Wilkinson. A recent screen appearance by Colin was in the television show 'Mystery Road.' Needless to say, this bright star has pursued his dreams and succeeded.
Angus Young: Cranhill, Glasgow, UK - 66
Any fan of Rock and Roll is familiar with Angus Young since he is the lead guitarist of the legendary rock band 'AC/DC.' The musician is credited as lead guitarist and songwriter on most of the band's songs if not all. His electrifying stage presence earned him a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Currently, Andy Young is the only original member of the band due to departures from his fellow bandmates due to medical reasons or age-related issues. Even so, the admirably determined man is trying his best to finish the band's long-awaited album, and fans globally can't wait to savor the magic.
Alan Sugar: Hackney, London - 74
Alan Sugar is as metal as they come. This man has lived a life many people would give anything to get a piece of. His track record includes business ventures, politics, media, and writing. You name it; Alan's done it.
Anyone thinking by now that that's all are in for another surprise because this go-getter even co-owned the famous 'Tottenham Hotspurs' for quite some time. Alan then took over running 'The Apprentice' for over a decade. Due to his diligent work ethic and savvy investment practices, Alan became a billionaire in 2015, ranking 121 among the richest people in the UK.
John Bucchino: Pennsylvania, United States - 69
John Bucchino is a marvelous songwriter whose music and lyrics are enjoyed by masses of people around the world. This American composer did not have any musical education before teaching himself to play the piano by ear. Yet, he went on to become a top musician writing scores for 'A Catered Affair,' 'Urban Myths,' and 'Lavender Girl,' which were all critically acclaimed.
It came as no surprise when his song 'David Campbell Sings John Bucchino' reached number one on the Australian jazz chart in 2014. The talented musician has also won countless awards for his contribution to music like the Songwriters' Fellowship Award, which remains proof of his recognition and unmatched skill to this day.
Jimmy Barnes: Glasgow, Scotland – 66
Jimmy Barnes is a national treasure as both a solo artist and the unwavering leader of Cold Chisel, one of Australia's most iconic rock bands. Through his efforts in the music industry, he has become one of Australia's all-time most prominent stars.
For almost 40 years, Barnes has entertained Australians of all ages with tales of his life and travels. Throughout his career, he sold more than 12 million albums and was twice elected into the ARIA Hall of Fame, among other honors. His work spans decades, but it hasn't slowed him down; he's still very much in the public eye and constantly putting out new material.