Advanced search

Once described early in his career as Australia's version of 1950's Hollywood action star Jeff Chandler, sharing his rugged looks and intense performances, Gerard began in theater before moving to television playing memorable villains in Homicide (1964). This led to his breakthrough role as enemy espionage agent Kragg in Hunter (1967), the arch nemesis of the title character played by Tony Ward. The Kragg role proved so popular with audiences that the producers surprisingly had the character change sides to become Hunter's ally. Following Ward's departure from the series, Gerard assumed the lead role, before he was given his own show, playing reliable Detective Frank Banner in Division 4 (1969). This role would last six years and earn him many awards, including two gold Logies as most popular personality on Australian television.

Following his long period playing Banner, Gerard had lead roles in many successful series and mini-series, including Tandarra (1976), Against the Wind (1978), and The Last Outlaw (1980). Much preferring to be part of an ensemble cast rather than as the star, he then took roles in established series, such as the airport manager in Skyways (1979), and later as the dependable Luke Mitchell in The Flying Doctors (1986). Continuing his long acting career in both movies and television, one of Gerard's more recent roles was as a memorable gangland patriarch in the controversial mini series Underbelly (2008). But he will always be identified for his realistic portrayals of idealist agent Kragg, and dedicated cop Frank Banner, roles that made him a reluctant television celebrity, rather than the versatile character actor he had intended to become.

Felippa Rock was born on 16 December 1924 in Los Angeles, California, USA. She was an actress and casting director, known for Bride of the Gorilla (1951), Invitation Playhouse: Mind Over Murder (1952) and Tim (1979). She was married to Michael Pate. She died on 15 December 2021 in Gosford, New South Wales, Australia.

Douglas Hedge was born in 1944 in Australia. He was an actor, known for A Cry in the Dark (1988), Ground Zero (1987) and Blue Heelers (1994). He died on 14 October 2019 in Gosford, New South Wales, Australia.

Bill Leak was born on 9 January 1956 in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. He was married to Goong Leak and Astrid Wigand. He died on 10 March 2017 in Gosford, New South Wales, Australia.

Max Aspin was an actor, known for The Road Warrior (1981), Crocodile Dundee (1986) and Midnite Spares (1983). He was married to Dale. He died on 24 February 2016 in Gosford, New South Wales, Australia.

Larry Burns was born on 5 November 1933 in London, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Shortland Street (1992), The Ernie Sigley Show (1974) and The Graham Kennedy Show (1972). He died on 26 June 2012 in North Gosford, New South Wales, Australia.

Jack Beckitt was born on 24 September 1928 in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Straatje om met Dorus (1966), The Good Old Days (1953) and Camera One (1956). He died on 18 February 2010 in Gosford, New South Wales, Australia.

Tony Dickinson who a television newsreader and has passed away following a battle with cancer. Dickinson began his career working in radio, being the newsreader at Sydney radio stations 2UW and 2UE. While at 2UE he was the first newsreader to break the news of the Granville (NSW - Australia) train disaster. He also worked as program manager at Brisbane's 4BH and as news director at 2KY in Sydney. In the early 1980s Dickinson entered television by coming the anchor at Adelaide's first one-hour news bulletin, "Eyewitness News" on SAS10 and he also worked at ATV10, Melbourne.

Michael Chamberlain was born on 27 February 1944 in Christchurch, New Zealand. He was married to Ingrid Bergner and Lindy Chamberlain Creighton. He died on 9 January 2017 in Gosford, New South Wales, Australia.

Harry Beitzel was born on 6 April 1927 in Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia. He was married to Karolyn Myers and Dorothy. He died on 13 August 2017 in Gosford, New South Wales, Australia.