Bille Brown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bille Brown
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| Born |
William Gerard Brown
11 January 1952 Biloela, Queensland, Australia
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| Died | 13 January 2013 (aged 61) Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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| Alma mater | University of Queensland |
| Occupation | Actor, playwright |
| Years active | 1976–2012 |
| Awards | Member of the Order of Australia |
William Gerald Brown, known professionally as Bille Brown, was an Australian actor and writer. He was born on January 11, 1952, and passed away on January 13, 2013. Bille Brown was famous for his work in theatre, movies, and television. He was also a talented playwright, meaning he wrote plays.
Contents
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Bille Brown grew up in Biloela, Queensland, Australia. He studied drama at the University of Queensland. In the early 1970s, he started his acting journey. He joined the Queensland Theatre Company. There, he worked with another famous Australian actor, Geoffrey Rush.
Acting and Writing Abroad
Bille Brown's talent took him overseas to Britain. He joined the famous Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). This was a big deal because the RSC is one of the most respected theatre companies in the world.
First Australian Play at RSC
Bille Brown was the first Australian asked to write and perform his own play for the RSC. This play was called The Swan Down Gloves. It opened at the Barbican Theatre in London. The show was so special that it even had a performance for the Royal Family!
Touring with the RSC
As part of the RSC, Bille Brown traveled a lot. He performed in many European cities. These included Paris, Vienna, Berlin, and Munich. He was with the RSC during different periods: 1976-1982, 1986-1988, and 1994-1996.
Playing Unique Roles
One of his most famous roles with the RSC was in The Wizard of Oz. He played both The Wicked Witch of the West and Miss Gulch. For these roles, he was nominated for an Olivier Award in 1988. This award is one of the highest honors in British theatre.
Working in London's West End
While in the United Kingdom, Bille Brown also performed in London's West End. This area is known for its many famous theatres. He acted at the Aldwych and Haymarket Theatres. He also performed at the Chichester Festival Theatre, English National Opera, and Dublin Theatre Festival.
Hollywood Opportunities
One day, while performing in Stratford, England, he was noticed by the famous comedian John Cleese. This led to Bille Brown being cast in the movie Fierce Creatures. This film was a sequel to the popular movie A Fish Called Wanda.
Broadway Debut in New York
Bille Brown also made his acting debut on Broadway in New York City. This happened in 1986 in the play Wild Honey. He acted alongside Ian McKellen, another very well-known actor. He also worked as a playwright in New York. He adapted a special performance of A Christmas Carol in 1985.
Returning to Australia
In 1996, Bille Brown moved back to Australia permanently. He continued to have a fantastic career on stage. He performed for many of Australia's top theatre companies. These included the Queensland Theatre Company, Sydney Theatre Company, and Bell Shakespeare Company.
Directing and Major Successes
In 1996, he directed an Australian play called Over the Top with Jim. This play was very popular and sold many tickets. He also had huge success playing Count Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro. This play opened the new Playhouse in Brisbane in 1998. In 1999, he was very successful playing Oscar Wilde in The Judas Kiss.
Teaching and Writing
The same year, he became a special professor at the University of Queensland. He gave workshops and master classes to drama students. In 2009, Bille Brown wrote and performed in a play called The School of Arts. This play was about old theatre groups that toured Shakespeare plays in Queensland in the 1960s. He also wrote a play called Bill and Mary.
Film and Television Roles
Bille Brown appeared in many movies and TV shows. He played different kinds of characters.
Notable Film Roles
Some of his well-known film roles include:
- Neville in Fierce Creatures (1997)
- The Prime Minister in The Dish (2000)
- Percy Smith in Oscar and Lucinda (1997)
- Coriakin in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)
Television Appearances
He also appeared in many Australian and international TV series. Some of these include:
- Medivac (1997)
- All Saints (2000-2009)
- Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012)
- Rake (2012)
Honours and Awards
Bille Brown received several important recognitions for his work.
- In 2011, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). This is a special award given to Australians for their achievements.
- He also received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Queensland. This is a special degree given to people who have made great contributions.
Death
Bille Brown passed away on January 13, 2013, just two days after his 61st birthday. He died from bowel cancer. A public memorial service was held for him at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. His longtime friend and colleague, Geoffrey Rush, gave a speech at the service.
Images for kids
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Bille Brown, a talented Australian actor and playwright.
See also
In Spanish: Bille Brown para niños
