Bud Tingwell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bud Tingwell AM
Tingwell in Murder Ahoy! (1964)
Born	Charles William Tingwell (1923-01-03)3 January 1923 Coogee, New South Wales, Australia
Died	15 May 2009(2009-05-15) (aged 86) Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Education	Sydney Grammar School
Occupation	Actor, radio announcer, pilot
Years active	1941–2008
Spouse(s)	Audrey May Wilson ​ ​ (m. 1951; died 1996)​
Children	2
Awards	Logie Hall of Fame Inductee (1994) Raymond Longford Award (1998) Australian Film Walk of Fame Inductee (2008)

Charles William Tingwell (3 January 1923 – 15 May 2009), known as Bud Tingwell, was a famous Australian actor. He worked in films, TV shows, theatre, and radio. Bud was one of Australia's most experienced actors. He started acting in movies in 1946. He appeared in over 100 films and many TV programs. He worked in both the United Kingdom and Australia.

Early Life and War Service

Bud Tingwell was born in Coogee, a suburb of Sydney, Australia. His father was William Harvey Tingwell and his mother was Enid Green. William was a surf lifesaver. In 1922, a friend saw Enid was pregnant. He asked, "What's budding there?" This is how Charles got his nickname, 'Bud'.

When Bud was a teenager, his father wanted him to become an accountant. But Bud did not pass the entry exam. While still at school, he became a cadet at a radio station called 2CH in Sydney. Soon, he became the youngest radio announcer in Australia.

Serving in World War II

In 1941, when he was 18, Bud Tingwell joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). He volunteered to serve overseas in World War II. He trained to be a pilot in Canada in 1942. Even though he damaged a training plane, he became a qualified pilot. He was made a pilot officer in December that year.

Bud was sent to the Mediterranean area. He trained to fly Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire planes. In January 1944, he joined a photo reconnaissance unit. This unit took pictures from the air. He flew 75 missions in Mosquitos and Spitfires. This was during the war in Italy. He could also fly other types of aircraft. He was promoted to flying officer in June 1943. Then he became a flight lieutenant in December 1944.

Towards the end of the war, Bud was sent back to Australia. He became a flying instructor in June 1945. After the war ended, he flew photo-reconnaissance planes. He left the RAAF in March 1946. Bud received several medals for his service in the war. He remained a reservist until the 1950s.

Life After the War and Acting Career

Acting in Australia

After the war, Bud Tingwell married his childhood sweetheart, Audrey May Wilson. They had two children, Christopher and Virginia. He joined a theatre company called the Independent Theatre. He acted in plays like The Little Foxes.

In 1946, Bud got his first movie role in Smithy. He played an RAAF control tower officer. He got the part because he had his own RAAF uniform. He had a good supporting role in Bitter Springs (1950). He played a character who was not very welcoming to others. He had a similar role in Kangaroo (1952). This was a Hollywood film made in Australia.

A film studio called Fox liked Bud's work in Kangaroo. They invited him to Los Angeles. He played Lieutenant Harry Carstairs in The Desert Rats. He acted alongside famous stars like James Mason and Richard Burton. Fox offered him a long-term contract. But Bud said no because he wanted to go back to Australia.

Bud played the main role in King of the Coral Sea (1954). In 1954, he also starred in Top of the Bill. This was a famous comedy show in Sydney.

Moving to England

The film and radio industry in Australia slowed down when television started. So, Bud decided to move to the United Kingdom. He got a role in a film called The Shiralee (1957). It was filmed in Australia and London. Bud traveled to England to finish his scenes and decided to stay there.

The next year, he got his first regular TV role. He played an Australian surgeon, Alan Dawson, in Emergency Ward 10. He also appeared in its movie version, Life in Emergency Ward 10 (1959). He had small roles in other films like Dunkirk (1958).

Bud Tingwell played Inspector Craddock in four Miss Marple films. These films starred Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple. The movies were Murder, She Said (1961), Murder at the Gallop (1963), Murder Most Foul (1964), and Murder Ahoy! (1964). He also appeared in horror films like Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966).

In the late 1960s, he did voice work for the TV series Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons. He also appeared in the first series of Catweazle. He played Kevin McArthur, a motel manager, in the TV series Crossroads. Bud spent 16 years living and working in London.

Returning to Australia

In 1973, Bud returned to Australia with his family. Soon after, he got the role of Inspector Reg Lawson. This was in the popular TV series Homicide. He then had small roles in major Australian films. These included Breaker Morant (1980) and Puberty Blues (1981). He also played farmer Ted Campbell in the TV show A Country Practice.

Becoming Popular Again

Bud's career was a bit quiet in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Then, in 1993, he played "Gramps" in "Charlie the Wonderdog." This was a regular part of The Late Show. This role led to a big part as lawyer Lawrence Hammill in the film The Castle (1997). He later said this role helped him after his wife passed away.

After The Castle was a success, Bud's career became very busy again. He appeared in films like The Craic (1999) and The Dish (2000). He also had the main role in the film Innocence (2000). He played Henry O'Rourke in the TV show Neighbours from 2000 to 2003. He had been on the show before in 1993. In 2002, he played John Conroy in a musical show called The Man from Snowy River: Arena Spectacular.

In 2004, Bud wrote a book about his life called Bud: A Life. In 2006, he started his own website. He continued to act regularly until he passed away. He appeared in eight episodes of Bed of Roses in 2010. He also hosted TV shows like Celebrity Circus.

Honours and Awards

Tingwell's plaque at the Australian Film Walk of Fame, the Ritz Cinema, Randwick, Sydney

Bud Tingwell was recognized for his amazing career. In 1994, he was added to the Logie Hall of Fame. This is a special award for people who have made a big impact on Australian television. In 2008, he was honored at the Australian Film Walk of Fame. This was for his achievements in film and television.

In June 1999, Bud Tingwell was made a Member of the Order of Australia. This is a high honour given by the Australian government.

Death

Bud Tingwell's wife, Audrey, passed away in 1996. Bud Tingwell died in Melbourne on 15 May 2009. He was 86 years old. He died from prostate cancer. He was given a state funeral. This is a special ceremony held by the government. It took place at St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne on 20 May.

Selected Filmography

Film

Television

Images for kids

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  Tingwell in Murder Ahoy! (1964)

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  Tingwell's plaque at the Australian Film Walk of Fame, the Ritz Cinema, Randwick, Sydney