Rodney Milgate facts for kids

Rodney "Rod" Milgate (June 30, 1934 – September 23, 2014) was a very talented Australian man. He was known for many things: he was a painter, a newsreader, an actor, and a writer of plays. He even taught art at a university! Rod Milgate was a true all-rounder in the arts.

Who Was Rodney Milgate?

Rodney Milgate, often called "Rod," was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. He lived a long life, passing away at the age of 80. He was a creative person who explored many different ways to express himself, from painting beautiful pictures to performing on stage and even reading the news on television.

Early Life and Beginnings

Rod Milgate was born in Sydney in 1934. As he grew up, he developed a passion for the arts. In 1960, he married an actress named Dinah Shearing. They had two sons, Matthew and Adam. His family life was a part of his journey as an artist and public figure.

A Man of Many Talents

Rod Milgate had a very interesting career because he did so many different things. He was not just good at one thing, but at many!

Painting and Art

Rod Milgate was a well-known painter. His art was recognized with a special award called the Blake Prize for Religious Art. He won this important prize three times, which shows how skilled and respected he was in the art world. He also shared his knowledge by becoming a Professor at the Visual Arts School of the City Art Institute, which is part of the University of New South Wales.

Writing and Acting

Besides painting, Rod Milgate was also a successful writer and actor. He wrote more than ten plays for the stage between 1966 and 1996. He even acted in some of his own plays! In 1978, he also published a novel, showing his talent for writing longer stories. In 1960, he appeared in three television movies, adding acting for the screen to his list of achievements.

News and Teaching

Many people in Australia might have recognized Rod Milgate from their televisions. During the 1960s, he worked as a newsreader for Channel 7. This meant he was the person who read the daily news to thousands of viewers, keeping them informed about what was happening in the world.

His Later Years

Rodney Milgate continued to live in northern Sydney. He passed away on September 23, 2014, at his home. He was 80 years old when he died from a heart attack. He left behind a legacy as a truly versatile and accomplished Australian artist.