Peter Sumner facts for kids

Peter Sumner (born Peter Malcolm Sumner-Potts on January 29, 1942 – died November 22, 2016) was a well-known Australian actor, director, and writer. He worked for many years in plays, TV shows, and movies.

Peter Sumner's Acting Journey

Peter Sumner had a long and exciting career in entertainment. He was known for many different roles.

Early Life and Start in Acting

Before becoming an actor, Peter Sumner was a high school teacher. He then began his acting career in 1965. He continued acting for 50 years until 2015.

Famous Movie and TV Roles

Peter Sumner appeared in several movies. These included Color Me Dead (1969) and Ned Kelly (1970). He also acted in The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (1978). Later, he was in The Survivor (1981) and Bush Christmas (1983).

One of his most famous roles was in the movie Star Wars (1977). He played Lieutenant Pol Treidum. He also helped control the Dianoga, which was the monster in the garbage compactor scene.

On television, he starred in the series Spyforce. He also played Bill Hayden, a famous Australian politician, in the TV show The Dismissal. In 2002, he played Arnie in the British TV series Jeopardy. This show was filmed in Australia.

Other TV Appearances

Peter Sumner had many regular roles on Australian TV. He played Bruce Jefferson in Tickled Pink (1978–81). He was Phillip Seymour in All the Way (1988). He also appeared as Reverend Green in Cluedo (1992). From 1997 to 1999, he played Les Bailey in Heartbreak High.

He also made guest appearances in many other popular TV shows. These included Homicide, Division 4, and Matlock Police. He was also seen in Boney, The Sullivans, and Cop Shop. Later, he appeared in Neighbours, E Street, The Flying Doctors, and Home and Away.

Directing and Presenting

Peter Sumner also directed a TV documentary called Baba's Birthday. This film was shot in India. It followed his son, Luke Sumner, on a journey. The music for the documentary was by Pete Townshend.

He also worked as a presenter on the children's TV show Play School. He often filled in for another presenter, John Hamblin.

Personal Life and Legacy

Peter Sumner was married to Lynda Stoner. They stayed together until his death. He passed away on November 22, 2016, at the age of 74, after being ill for some time.

Filmography

• They're a Weird Mob (1966) - Small role (not credited)
• Color Me Dead (1969) - Stanley Phillips
• Ned Kelly (1970) - Tom Lloyd
• The Lost Islands (1976 TV series) - Christian Dobler
• Star Wars (1977) - Lt. Pol Treidum (not credited)
• The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (1978) - Dowie Steed
• The King of the Two Day Wonder (1978)
• Middle Age Spread (1979) - Reg
• Run Rebecca, Run (1981) - Mr. Dimitros
• The Survivor (1981) - Tewson
• Bush Christmas (1983) - Ben Thompson
• Seeing Red (1992) - Gorman
• Moby Dick (1998) - Captain Gardiner
• Ektopos (2011) - Zebediah
• Ryder Country (2012) - Professor Ed Woodman
• The Quarantine Hauntings (2015) - Dr. Henry Dickenson (his last movie role)