Garry McDonald facts for kids

Garry George McDonald is a famous Australian actor and comedian. He was born on October 30, 1948. Garry has been acting for over 50 years in plays, TV shows, and movies. He is even called a National Living Treasure in Australia!

Garry McDonald is most famous for playing a funny character named Norman Gunston. Norman was a TV interviewer who seemed a bit clumsy and innocent. Garry also played Arthur Beare in the popular TV show Mother and Son.

In 2003, Garry was given a special award called the Order of Australia. This was for his work in helping people understand mental health and for his amazing entertainment career. He has also been a board member for Beyond Blue, an Australian group that helps with mental health.

Early life and education

Garry McDonald grew up in Bondi, a beach town in Sydney, Australia. He went to Cranbrook School. While at school, Garry became very interested in acting. Even though his family wasn't sure about it at first, he decided to study acting. He went to the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and finished his studies in 1967.

Career highlights

Norman Gunston: The funny interviewer

Garry McDonald first created his most famous character, Norman Gunston, in 1973 while working on The Aunty Jack Show. Norman was a shy and awkward TV personality. His first appearances were in short comedy skits where he reported on funny, unusual news stories.

Garry developed the character even more in The Norman Gunston Show. For this show, he won a special award called a Gold Logie. Norman Gunston had a unique look: he often had a comb over hairstyle, pale makeup, and small pieces of tissue on his face from shaving. The show made fun of many parts of Australian culture and entertainment. It featured live and pre-recorded interviews, and Norman would sing songs in a very strong Australian accent. There were also funny sketches like "Norman's Dreamtime", where he read stories to children.

Norman Gunston was known for his "ambush interview" style. He would use his innocent-looking personality to surprise famous people and ask them funny or unexpected questions. He interviewed many big stars like Paul McCartney, Muhammad Ali, Keith Moon, and Elton John.

As Norman Gunston, Garry also released some funny songs that made fun of popular music. Some of his well-known songs included his version of "Delilah" and "I Might Be A Punk But I Love You, Baby". He even performed with the famous musician Frank Zappa in Sydney in 1976.

Mother and Son: A beloved TV show

Garry McDonald played Arthur Beare in the popular TV series Mother and Son. He starred alongside actress Ruth Cracknell. The show ran for six seasons, from 1984 to 1994. Garry won several Logie Awards for his role as Arthur, who was often a bit unlucky.

Offspring: A modern drama

In 2012, Garry McDonald joined the cast of the TV drama series Offspring. He played the character of Doctor Philip Noonan and was a regular part of the show for several seasons.

Personal life and advocacy

Early in his acting career, Garry McDonald met his wife, actress Diane Craig, during a play. They got married in 1971 and have two grown children. They live in Berry, a town on the south coast of New South Wales.

Garry McDonald has openly talked about his own experiences with depression and anxiety. He is a strong supporter and former board member of Beyond Blue, an Australian organization that helps people with mental health issues. He also helps the Anxiety Disorders Foundation of Australia in New South Wales. Garry has shared that his anxiety might be connected to similar experiences his grandfather and mother had.

Garry's mental health journey became public when he faced challenges after trying to bring back his Norman Gunston character in 1993. Again in 1997, he had a difficult time during the launch of a new TV series. Garry's condition also led him to withdraw from a play in 2003. Through his openness, he has helped many people understand and talk about mental health.

Film and television roles

Garry McDonald has had many roles in both movies and television shows throughout his long career.

Film appearances

Television roles

Theatre performances

Garry McDonald has also performed in many plays on stage.

Awards and recognition

Garry McDonald has received several awards and honors for his contributions to entertainment and community service.

In 2003, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. This was for his important work in raising awareness about mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and for his long career as an entertainer.

He was also chosen as a National Living Treasure. This title is given to Australians who have made a huge difference to society.

In 2015, Garry was featured in the ABC documentary series Australian Story, which tells inspiring stories about Australians.

In 2020, a stamp featuring Garry McDonald was released as part of the Australia Post Legends of Comedy series.

Mo Awards

The Mo Awards were Australian awards for live entertainment. Garry McDonald won one of these awards.

Art portraits

Garry McDonald has been the subject of several award-winning art portraits. In 1999, a painting of him by Deny Christian won the Packing Room Prize at the Archibald Prize competition. In 2006, another portrait, "All the world's a stage" by Paul Jackson, won the People's Choice Award at the same competition. In 2016, a painting of Garry by Kirsty Neilson was also a finalist in the Archibald Prize.

See also

In Spanish: Garry McDonald para niños