Simon Burke facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Simon Burke AO
Simon Burke, June 2013
Born	(1961-10-08) 8 October 1961 (age 63)
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1973–present

Simon Gareth Burke (born 8 October 1961) is a well-known Australian actor. He has starred in many films, TV shows, and theatre plays. He is also famous for being a presenter on the children's TV show Play School.

Simon Burke's Acting Journey

Simon Burke started acting when he was just 12 years old. His first role was in a film called Kookaburra in 1974. Soon after, at age 13, he starred in the movie The Devil's Playground. For this role, he won the AFI Award for Best Actor. He is still the youngest person ever to win this important award.

Returning to a Famous Role

In 2014, Simon Burke starred in a TV miniseries called Devil's Playground. This show was a new version of the film he made when he was 13. He played the same character, Tom Allen, many years later. Simon also helped create and produce this TV series. It won awards like the AACTA and Logie Award for Most Outstanding Telefeature or Miniseries.

Theatre and Musical Roles

Simon Burke has had a very successful career on stage, both in Australia and the United Kingdom. He played Captain Georg von Trapp in The Sound of Music at the London Palladium. He also played Mr. Banks in the musical Mary Poppins in several Australian cities and Auckland, New Zealand.

Helping Other Performers

From 2004 to 2014, Simon Burke was the Federal President of Actors Equity Australia. This group helps actors and other performers. He is also a Vice President of the International Federation of Actors (FIA). This is a worldwide group that supports performers, their unions, and professional associations.

Special Recognition

On September 10, 2015, Simon Burke was given a special honour. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). This award recognized his great work in acting, singing, and producing. It also honoured his efforts in speaking up for performers' rights and helping them get training and education.

A Familiar Face on Children's TV

Many children and families know Simon Burke from Play School. He was a presenter on this popular Australian children's TV series for many years, from 1988 to 2007. He also returned to present in 2013 and again in 2020.

Simon Burke's Film Appearances

Simon Burke has acted in many films throughout his career. Here are some of them:

Simon Burke on Television

Simon Burke has appeared in many television shows and movies made for TV.

Simon Burke's Theatre Roles

Simon Burke has performed in many plays and musicals. Here is a list of some of his stage work: