Michael Caton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Michael Caton
Caton in 2017
Born	(1943-07-21) 21 July 1943 (age 82) Monto, Queensland, Australia
Occupation	Actor, comedian, television presenter
Years active	1969–present
Spouse(s)	Helen Esakoff

Michael Caton (born 21 July 1943) is a famous Australian actor, comedian, and television host. Many people know him for playing Darryl Kerrigan in the hit 1997 movie The Castle. He also played Uncle Harry in the TV series The Sullivans and Ted Taylor in Packed to the Rafters.

Early Life and First Acting Steps

Michael Caton was born in a town called Monto, Queensland. He went to a boarding school, St Patrick's College, in Gympie. It was there that he first tried acting. Later, his family moved to Brisbane, where he grew up.

Career in Television and Film

Michael Caton has had a long and successful career on screen, appearing in many popular Australian shows and movies.

Famous Television Roles

Caton's television career began in the 1970s. In 1976, he became a household name in Australia playing Uncle Harry Sullivan in the family drama The Sullivans. The show was about a family during World War II.

In the 1980s, he starred in the drama series Five Mile Creek. In the 1990s, he appeared in the TV series Chances.

From 1999, Caton began hosting lifestyle shows like Hot Property and Hot Auctions. He also showed off his dancing skills as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars in 2005.

One of his most loved roles was as Ted Taylor in the family show Packed to the Rafters. He played the funny and caring grandfather in the Rafter family.

Besides acting, Caton is also a "cultural ambassador" for the Queensland rugby league team.

Success in Movies

Michael Caton is well known for his role as Darryl Kerrigan in the 1997 comedy The Castle. The movie was a surprise hit and is now considered a classic Australian film. Caton's character is famous for his positive attitude and funny sayings.

He has also starred in other movies, including:

• The Last of the Knucklemen (1979)
• Hoodwink (1981)
• Strange Bedfellows (2004), a comedy where he starred alongside Paul Hogan.
• Last Cab to Darwin (2015), a drama where he played the main character, Rex. This role won him an award for Best Actor.
• Rams (2020), where he acted with Sam Neill.

Stage and Music Career

In addition to screen acting, Michael Caton has also performed on stage. In the 1970s, he was in the musicals Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar. He was part of the chorus on the official Australian cast recording of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Later, from 2007 to 2008, he played the character Bob in the popular stage musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert - the Musical.

Awards and Recognition

Michael Caton has received several awards for his acting. In 2011, he won a Logie Award for Most Popular Actor for his role in Packed to the Rafters. In 2016, he won an AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor for the film Last Cab to Darwin.

Caton's plaque at the Australian Film Walk of Fame in Sydney.

To celebrate his contribution to Australian film and television, he was given a special plaque on the Australian Film Walk of Fame.

Personal Life

Michael Caton is married to Helen Esakoff. His son, Septimus, is a voice-over artist. You might have heard his voice narrating the shows My Kitchen Rules and Robot Wars.

Selected Roles

Here are some of Michael Caton's most well-known roles in television and film.

Television

Film

See also

In Spanish: Michael Caton para niños