George Ogilvie facts for kids

George Buchan Ogilvie (born March 5, 1931 – died April 5, 2020) was a very talented Australian director and actor. He worked in many areas, including theatre (plays), films, and television shows. He was known for his amazing contributions to the performing arts in Australia.

Early Life and Career

George Ogilvie started his acting journey at the Canberra Repertory Theatre. Later, he moved to the United Kingdom to train, teach, and act.

In 1965, George returned to Australia. He became an associate director at the Melbourne Theatre Company, where he worked for six years. After that, he was the artistic director at the South Australian Theatre Company for four years. For 12 more years, he worked within the supported theatre network.

In 1988, he started working as a freelance director. This meant he could work with different groups. He directed shows for the Australian Opera, the Australian Ballet, and various theatre companies.

Work in Television

George Ogilvie directed and acted in many television shows. Some of his notable TV projects include:

• The 1983 miniseries The Dismissal, where he also acted as a politician named Jim McClelland.
• The miniseries Bodyline (1984), where he helped write the story and directed three episodes.
• The TV films The Shiralee (1987) and Touch the Sun: Princess Kate (1988).
• He also directed The Battlers (1994) and two episodes of The Feds (1994).
• From 2002 to 2006, he directed 11 episodes of the popular police series Blue Heelers.

Work in Film

George Ogilvie also had a big impact on Australian films. His film credits include:

• Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985), which he co-directed with George Miller.
• Short Changed (1985).
• The highly praised film The Place at the Coast (1987).
• The Crossing (1990), which was the first movie for famous actor Russell Crowe.

Teaching and Recognition

George Ogilvie often taught and directed at important drama schools. These included the NIDA and Actors Centre Australia.

In 1983, he was given a special award called Member of the Order of Australia (AM). This award recognized his excellent work and contributions to theatre and performing arts in Australia.

In 2006, he wrote a book about his life in theatre. It was called Simple Gifts – a life in the theatre and was published by Currency House.

George Ogilvie passed away on April 5, 2020, at the age of 89.

Books

• George Ogilvie (2006). Simple Gifts – A Life in the Theatre. Sydney: Currency House. ISBN 9780975730171.