Paul Cronin facts for kids

Paul Cronin (born July 8, 1938, died September 13, 2019) was a famous Australian actor. He starred in popular TV shows like Matlock Police and The Sullivans. He won the Silver Logie award for Best Actor five times. This made him one of Australia's most awarded actors, sharing the record with Martin Sacks.

Paul moved to Melbourne when he was young and worked in different jobs. He then decided to become an actor. He appeared in many TV shows made by Crawford Productions, such as Division 4 and Homicide. Paul played a motorcycle police officer named Gary Hogan in Matlock Police from 1971 to 1976. He continued this role in a spin-off show called Solo One in 1976. Later, he became well-known for playing Dave Sullivan in the popular family drama The Sullivans from 1976 to 1983.

In 1986, Paul Cronin helped start the Brisbane Bears football club. This club joined the Victorian Football League (VFL). He was the club's president from 1987 to 1989.

Paul Cronin's Life Story

Paul Cronin was born in July 1938 in Jamestown, South Australia. He grew up on a farm with his family. After finishing school, Paul became a farmer himself. He married Helen Kinnear in 1959. They had four daughters: twins Katherine and Jane, and then Susanne and Juliana.

Paul was also a talented athlete. He competed in the 1958 Commonwealth Games as a runner in the four x 100m relay. He was a state champion runner and also a champion gymnast.

Later, Paul moved to Melbourne. There, he worked as a truck driver and a draftsman. During this time, he started acting in TV shows like Division 4 and Homicide. His wife, Helen, passed away in 2013.

His Acting Career

After playing several smaller parts, Paul Cronin got a big role in 1971. He played Gary Hogan, a motorcycle police officer, in the TV drama Matlock Police. This show ran from 1971 to 1976. When Matlock Police ended, he continued playing Gary Hogan in a new show called Solo One in 1976. This series followed more of Gary Hogan's adventures as a police officer.

After Matlock Police, Paul took on the role of Dave Sullivan. Dave was the father figure in the popular family show The Sullivans. Paul worked on The Sullivans from 1976 to 1983. His role as Dave Sullivan helped him win five Silver Logies.

Paul also hosted a lifestyle TV show called Discover Downunder. This show explored the caravan and camping industry in Australia. It first aired on Network Ten and later moved to the Nine Network.

Other Interests and Activities

Paul Cronin had a strong interest in Australian rules football. In 1986, he was part of a group that helped create the Brisbane Bears football club. This club was given the first license to join the Victorian Football League (VFL). The creation of this club was a big step towards the VFL becoming the national Australian Football League. Paul was the president of the Brisbane Bears from 1987 to 1989.

He was also a member of the Patrons Council for the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria. This group helps people with epilepsy.

Awards and Recognition

Paul Cronin won the Silver Logie for Best Actor five times. He won it three years in a row starting from 1978. This made him one of the most awarded actors in Australia, sharing the record with Martin Sacks. In 1980, he was given the title of "King of Moomba". Moomba is a big community festival held in Melbourne.

TV Shows and Movies