The 12 Most Famous Australian Actors
If they started their career on local shores or took the plunge into Hollywood, what you might not know about some of your favourite actors and actresses, is that they do not come from America or Britain. In fact, they come from the land Down Under.
1. Cate Blanchett
Best known for her roles in Carol (2015), Blue Jasmine (2013) and The Aviator (2004), Cate Blanchett, born in Melbourne, has fascinated our screens since the 1990s. This theatre actress and director was acclaimed worldwide in less than a decade and has since received numerous awards and nominations including two Academy Awards and three Golden Globes.
2. Nicole Kidman
Although most people recognise Nicole Kidman as an Australian, what you may not know is that this film actress and producer was actually born from her Australian parents in Hawaii, while they were in possession of Honolulu training visas. Some of her most popular films include Eyes Wide Shut, Moulin Rouge! (2001) and others (2001). Keith Urban once told the NZ Herald that Nicole is a very good gambler as she is a determined person. She has the discipline needed like many Aussies who like searching for the best bookies in Australia, placing bets and playing games.
3. Chris Hemswort
We all love the Hemsworth brothers. From his role as Kim Hyde in the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, Chris Hemsworth, born in Melbourne, has acted in some of the industry’s greatest hits. Today, much appreciated for his interpretation in the sequels Thor (2011 and 2013), he was also recognised for the films Huntsman (2012 and 2016) and In the Heart of the Sea (2015).
4. Eric Bana
Famous for his performance in Hulk (2003), Eric Banadinovi?, born in Melbourne, is an Australian actor and comedian who made himself famous on the big screen. After obtaining critical recognition in the crime/drama film Chopper (2000), he has since acted in films such as Troy (2004) and Deliver Us from Evil (2014).
5. Geoffrey Rush
The star of The King’s Speech (2010) is the actor and film producer Geoffrey Rush. Born in Toowoomba, Queensland, Rush starred in films like Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) and The Best Offer (2013). He is also one of the youngest of the “Triple Crown of Acting” – a Tony Award, an Academy Award and an Emmy Award.
6. Heath Ledger
The beloved actor and director of Perth, Heath Ledger was highly regarded for his realistic approach to the Joker in The Dark Knight (2008). Ledger, unfortunately, passed away not long after The Dark Knight and therefore the films he starred in, remain as some of his great ones. They show the incredible actor that Ledger was. Other noteworthy films include 10 things I hate about you and Brokeback Mountain (2005).
7. Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman, born in Sydney, has become internationally famous and has acted in numerous films of love and superheroes. From The Wolverine (2013, replaced by X-23 in movie’s later iteration) to Les Misérables (2012) and X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014). This actor, singer and producer has become one of Australia’s most popular talents.
8. Liam Hemsworth
Brother to Chris Hemsworth, Liam was also born in Melbourne and is the youngest of the Hemsworth brothers. Liam began his acting career as Josh Taylor in the Australian soap opera Neighbours. Following in the footsteps of his brother, he moved to the United States where he starred in films such as The Hunger Games series (2012 – 2015), The Last Song (2010) and Paranoia (2013).
9. Margot Robbie
Best known for her portrayal in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), which earned her nomination for two Logie awards. A splendid actress and producer, Margot Robbie began her career in the Australian soap opera Neighbours. Since 2013, this beauty of Dalby, born in Queensland, has performed in many films including the long-awaited The Legend of Tarzan and Suicide Squad (2016).
10. Rose Byrne
Born in Balmain, New South Wales, Rose Byrne has made quite an entry into international fame with her performance in some of today’s most popular films. Appearing in over 50 films and TV series, Byrne was noted for her excellent portrayal of characters in Bridesmaids (2011), X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), Neighbours (2014) and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002).
11. Simon Baker
Recognised for his starring role in the television program The Mentalist (2008 – 2015), Simon Baker is a well-known Aussie actor. Baker, born in Launceston, Tasmania; received the prestigious Logie Award twice. Since then, as an actor and director, he appeared in The Guardian (2001 – 2004) and The Devil Wears Prada (2006).
12. Russell Crowe
Although Russell Crowe was born in New Zealand, he grew up in Australia and now identifies himself as a proud Australian – sorry NZ! This actor, film producer and musician is one of Australia’s most recognised actors, having received four major awards including the Oscar and the Empire Award for Best Actor for his performance in Gladiator (2000). Crowe also appeared in Robin Hood (2010) and in 2016 The Nice Guys.