Bille Brown. Actor. Member of the Order of Australia (AM). Picture: Angelo Soulas Source: The Australian
ACCLAIMED Queensland actor Bille Brown has died after a year-long battle with bowel cancer.
The star of stage and screen kept his illness a secret from even his closest friends and many were surprised when he was rushed to the Holy Spirit Hospital a week ago.
He is survived by his sister Rita who was by his bedside in the final days of his illness, along with Brown's great friend and fellow actor Geoffrey Rush.
Despite his ailing health, Brown hosted his own 61st birthday celebrations at his bedside on Friday.
His family released a statement yesterday celebrating the performer's achievements.
Bille Brown as the eccentric Bruscon in The Histrionic. Picture: Tony Gough
"He was a larger than life character, with an infectious and warm personality. Bille had the utmost respect of his peers and a huge heart.
"Bille fought a courageous fight with cancer for twelve months, but as a very private man, he did not let the disease stop him from performing and creating. Many were not aware of his condition. His passing deeply saddens us. We thank the arts community for their support at this sensitive time.
"We wish to thank the staff at The Holy Spirit for the love, respect and care given to Bille during this difficult time."
Pictured (L-R) Josh Price, Bille Brown (centre), Edwina Wren. The Histrionic at Malthouse Theatre. Picture: Jeff Busby
Born in Biloela in 1952, Brown honed his craft as an actor at the University of Queensland alongside Rush before both actors began their careers with Queensland Theatre Company.
He enjoyed a stage career here and in the United States and London where he caught the attention of John Cleese who cast him in Fierce Creatures, a sequel to the hit film A Fish Called Wanda.
He went on to star in Oscar and Lucinda opposite Cate Blanchett and Ralph Fiennes, The Dish and Singularity opposite Josh Hartnett and Neve Campbell, part of which was shot in Brisbane in 2010.
He performed opposite Rush in the 1998 production of The Marriage of Figaro which opened QPAC's Playhouse and in 2002 Queensland Theatre Company named their home studio after him.
His list of film and television credits were immense but it was his work in the theatre where Brown really made his name.
He worked with every major theatre company in Australia and even starred in the Australian production of the Monty Python musical Spamalot.
He was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company in the '70s, '80s and '90s touring their works throughout Europe and starred opposite Ian McKellen on Broadway in the play Wild Honey.
During his career he won a multitude of awards and in 2011 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.
The family will hold a private funeral ahead of a public memorial to be held in conjunction with QPAC.
Full details of the memorial will be released in the coming days.
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Acclaimed actor Bille Brown dies aged 61
Dengan url
http://pilkadaseo.blogspot.com/2013/01/acclaimed-actor-bille-brown-dies-aged-61.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Acclaimed actor Bille Brown dies aged 61
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
Acclaimed actor Bille Brown dies aged 61
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar