Frank Wilson

Frank Wilson left school at the age of 13. He joined the Australian Army in 1943, to escape the wartime Manpower Directorite and being placed in a "useful" job, becoming a signalman in the 7th Division, 2nd AIF. Serving in Papua New Guinea and Borneo, being discharged in late 1945. He started acting in 1948, acting up to the time of his death in 2005. Won the 1972 Logie Award for best compere, for the Nine Network's "New Faces". He was later replaced by Bert Newton after a 12 year run, in 1976. Originated the role of 'Jock' in the Melbourne Theatre Company's production of David Williamson's "The Club" in 1977. He recreated the role for the 1980 film version directed by Bruce Beresford, starring Jack Thompson and Graham Kennedy. Starred opposite Lauren Bacall, Colin Friels and Anne-Louise Lambert in the 1986 Australian tour of Tennessee Wiliams' "Sweet Bird Of Youth", playing 'Boss Finlay' Named best actor at the New York Film and Video Festival, 1 day before his death at the age of 81.