Ken James (actor) facts for kids

Ken James (born 16 November 1948) is an Australian actor and celebrity chef. He is best known for playing Mark Hammond in the children's TV show Skippy the Bush Kangaroo. This role made him famous in Australia and around the world. After Skippy, Ken continued acting in movies, TV shows, and theatre for many years.

In 2009, Ken was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer. He received treatment, and as of 2020, the cancer is in remission. Ken also spent 20 years helping the Victorian Police Force as a special volunteer.

Early Life and First Roles

Front of Cleveland Street Boys High School, where Ken James went to school.

Ken James was born in Sydney, Australia, on 16 November 1948. He finished school at Cleveland Street Boys High School. During his school years, Ken loved school plays. This interest inspired him to become an actor.

When he was 12, a neighbour showed him a newspaper ad. It was looking for young child actors and models. In 1960, Ken got his first acting job. He appeared in a children's drama called The Adventurers for ATN-7 Sydney.

Acting Career Highlights

Ken James has acted in many films, TV shows, musicals, and plays. He also appeared on game shows and news programs. After Skippy finished in 1970, Ken was still under contract. He then played Kip Young in Barrier Reef in 1971. Ken celebrated his 21st birthday while filming this show.

After Barrier Reef, Ken had many other TV roles. He played Tony Wild in The Box (1974-77). He was Tom Walker in Glenview High (1977-78). Ken also played air traffic controller Simon Young in Skyways (1979-80). Later, he was Mike O'Brien in Sons and Daughters (1984-85). He also had smaller parts in shows like Matlock Police, Pugwall, and Prisoner.

Life as a Celebrity Chef

Ken James loves to cook. He worked on Good Morning Australia for over 10 years. On the show, he was known as a celebrity chef. He also helped promote a cooking product called Ecopot.

For 10 years, Ken taught drama at the Australian Television Academy. A friend suggested he become a Master of Ceremonies (MC). He worked as an MC for weddings and other events. He was also the MC for John Knowles' wedding. In 2013, Ken was a judge at the Ararat One Act Play Festival.

In 2013, Ken filmed a funny advertisement for a mobility scooter. It was filmed at Waratah Park, where Skippy was originally made. The ad showed Ken hurting his back. Then, Geoff Harvey arrived on a scooter and convinced Ken to try it.

Ken also acted in the play Ladies Night in 2012. He toured Australia for six months with the show. It started with a fundraiser for a charity called Little Haven. After the tour, Ken directed another play, Calendar Girls, in 2013.

Starring in Skippy the Bush Kangaroo

When Ken was 16, he was chosen to play Mark Hammond in Skippy. This was four years after he started acting. At first, the show was just a pilot episode. Ken was also offered a scholarship to the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). He accepted the scholarship.

However, after only four days, Ken left NIDA. This was because the Skippy series was officially confirmed! He played Mark Hammond for three and a half years. He starred in 91 episodes of the show. Skippy was shown in 128 countries and is still watched today.

Ken's co-star, Garry Pankhurst, played Sonny. Garry was 10 when Skippy started. He left acting after the show finished. He found the fame overwhelming. Ken still praises Garry's acting. He said Garry was very natural and good on camera.

Ken and other Skippy cast members did not get paid residuals. Residuals are ongoing payments when a show is re-aired. This caused some problems. Tony Bonner, another actor, moved to England because of it. Ken has also shared his disappointment about not getting these payments.

Personal Life and Community Work

Ken James has two children from his first marriage. In 2001, he met Rosemarie Stuhlener. She was a retired manager from Telstra. They got engaged in 2003 and married in 2011. Ken and Rosemarie live in different towns. They are a living apart together couple, meaning they are married but live separately.

Ken has supported many charities. These include Life Education, Variety, and Bali's Jodie O’Shea Orphanage.

As mentioned, Ken was diagnosed with cancer in 2009. He noticed a lump on his neck. By 2011, the cancer had spread. He had chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He successfully completed his treatment and is now cancer-free.

Helping the Victorian Police Force

Ken was a special volunteer with the Victorian Police Force for over 20 years. He worked with them from 1993 to 2013. He first helped by role-playing in crime re-enactments. This helped detectives practice their skills.

Ken believes in supporting the police. He asked to give lectures to police officers. He wanted to teach them about communication skills. He also spoke about motivation. The Chief Commissioner of the Victorian Police Force gave him permission. Ken gave these lectures for free from 1993 to 2013. He has received many awards from the police force for his work.

Filmography

Television Roles

Film Roles

Self Appearances

Theatre Performances