Veteran actor Bill Hunter dies

[bobson (Bob)]

The actor passed away surrounded by family and friends at a Kew hospice at 8.05pm (AEDT) on Saturday, after battling cancer, Mr Morrissey said.


"He was a fine actor, a true story teller and a great friend. He will be sorely missed," Mr Morrissey told AAP.
Hunter was 71.


"During the course of his long and esteemed career, Bill touched the lives of many people," Mr Morrissey said.


He said Hunter recently summed up his approach to his craft in an interview for the feature film The Cup, in which he played Australian racing legend Bart Cummings.


Hunter said: "As long as the director told me where to stand and what to say, I was happy.
"Anyone who says there's any more to it than that, is full of bulls***.
"It's a job. It is a craft, but there's no art involved.
"What you need is common sense and a reasonably rough head.
"You put on the makeup and the wardrobe and that is half the performance.
"That upsets the purists but never mind, they don't work as much as I do."


Mr Morrissey said the actor was "much loved, a gentleman, an inspiration to fellow actors, a journeyman, and a rogue".


Hunter's long-term manager said a memorial service would be held at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne on Thursday (May 26) at 2pm.
"If you are not able to attend, we invite you, whether you are in your favourite pub, a theatre, at home, in country towns, on the land or with friends anywhere throughout Australia, that at 6pm on Thursday 26th you raise your glass as a salute and a final farewell to a great man," Mr Morrissey said.


The 71-year-old actor was admitted to the Caritas Christi hospice six days ago after refusing to go into hospital.
Hunter's acting career has spanned more than 50 years and 100 film and television productions, with roles in iconic Australian films including Strictly Ballroom and Gallipoli.

[astroron (Ron)]

A good down to earth aussie actor
RIP Bill.
cheers

[renormalised (Carl)]

Go break a leg, Bill....seeya. RIP.

[asimov (John)]

Good on him for not putting off the inevitable off by refusing to go to hospital. A good ol' aussie battler right to the last. Onya Bill, and thanks!

[gary]

A fabulous actor.

There seemed to be a time when he featured in just about every major Australian movie
to hit the screen.

I first remember seeing Phillip Noyce's Newsfront in 1978. It gave a refreshing portrayal
of Australia and in it Bill Hunter played the quintessential Australian character. An
outstanding performance which rightly won him the AFI for Best Actor in that year.

His ability to play it straight in various comedy roles demonstrated his versatility, whether
it be a Councilor from the coastal town of Porpoise Spit or "Bob the mechanic" in Priscilla.

[Ric]

A great actor and Australian

RIP Bill