Bryan Brown's Changing Relationship with Literature
Growing up in Sydney, Bryan Brown had little interest in literature. He admits, "I hated English at school," especially when assigned books like Great Expectations. He now appreciates Dickens but recalls, "not when you’re bloody 12 and 14 and 16, and you want to play sport."
A Career Spanning Iconic Roles
Brown, 78, is recognized for his rugged charisma and memorable roles in classics from the "event TV era" such as The Thorn Birds. His film credits include Breaker Morant and roles alongside stars like Tom Cruise in Cocktail and Sigourney Weaver in Gorillas In The Mist.
From Actor to Crime Author
Beyond acting, Brown has crafted a notable writing career. He debuted with Sweet Jimmy in 2021, a collection of short stories, followed by his first novel The Drowning in 2023. His third book, The Hidden, was released this month.
Personal Life and Recent Activities
Brown lives in Sydney with his wife, actor and director Rachel Ward. Currently, he was in Melbourne for a podcast appearance, admitting candidly, "I’ve never listened to a podcast, ever."
Bryan Brown: "I hated English at school."
Bryan Brown on Dickens: "Not when you’re bloody 12 and 14 and 16, and you want to play sport..."
Summary: Despite disliking English as a child, Bryan Brown transformed from a celebrated actor into a bestselling crime writer, proving passion can emerge at any stage.
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