Aussie Movie Stars Need a Home #2 Quiz

Answer: Eric Bana

Eric Banadinovic was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1968. Whilst he had a talent for mimicking family and others, he never thought of making a career of acting. His start in show business was as a stand-up comedian in a pub in which he worked as a barman. It still didn't pay enough so he continued being a barman and a waiter. Two years later in 1993 he made his debut on television as a comic and has since gone on to critical acclaim in internationally successful movies. Eric married publicist Rebecca Gleeson in 1997.

The movies referred to in the question are 'The Castle' (1997), 'Munich' (2005) and 'Hanna' made in 2011.

Answer: Hugo Weaving

Hugo Wallace Weaving was born in 1960 in Nigeria as his father was working there as a seismologist. The family moved to Britain (where his parents originated), Australia, South Africa and finally back to Australia when Hugo was in his teens. He finished high school in Sydney and then attended the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). The TV series 'Bodyline' (1984) was his first major role and he has gone on to appear in some major movies such as the 'Lord of the Rings' series and the 'Matrix' trilogy.

The movies referred to in the question were 'Bangkok Hilton' (1989), 'Proof' (1991), 'True Love and Chaos' (1997), 'Bedrooms and Hallways' (1998) and 'Little Fish' made in 2005.

Answer: Toni Collette

Antonia 'Toni' Collette was born in Sydney, Australia in 1972. She began acting at a young age and appeared on stage in the Sydney production of 'Godspell' while a young teenager. Her theatrical education continued with the Australian Theatre for Young People and NIDA. She has been nominated for an Oscar and has won a Golden Globe.

The clues in the question refer to the movies 'Spotswood' (1992), 'The Sixth Sense' (1999), 'Hotel Splendide' (2000), 'Dirty Deeds' (2002), and 'In Her Shoes' made in 2005.

Answer: Jacki Weaver

Jacqueline Ruth 'Jacki' Weaver was born in Sydney, Australia, in 1947. Her early entertainment career involved more singing than acting, but she appeared in a TV series called 'Wandjina!' in 1965. 'Stork' was her film debut in 1971 and several high profile movies followed including 'Alvin Purple' (1973) and 'Caddie' made in 1976. Both movie and theatre work have been significant in her career, with theatre work becoming more prominent from the 1990s. Jacki has been nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her work in 'Animal Kingdom' (2010) and 'Silver Linings Playbook' made in 2012.

Other movies referred to in the question were 'Petersen' (1974), 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' and 'The Removalists' (both 1975).

Answer: Errol Flynn

Errol Leslie Flynn (1909 - 1959) was born in Hobart, Australia, the son of a biology professor. His schooling took place in England and Australia. Not the most disciplined of students, he was expelled from more than one school. Failed business ventures in Papua New Guinea followed in his early 20s. Errol then headed to England and he had joined a repertory company by 1933. 'Captain Blood' made in 1935 was the starring role that propelled his career to stardom and the United States.

Married three times, his reputation for liaising with woman other that his wives became legendary and his life has been portrayed in more than one biographical movie.

The movies referred to in the question were 'Dodge City' (1939), 'Santa Fe Trail' (1940) 'They Died With Their Boots On' (1941), and 'Montana' made in 1950.

Answer: Bryan Brown

Bryan Neathway Brown was born in 1947 in Sydney, Australia. A promising academic student, he began his adult life as an actuarial student but discovered a passion for acting. He left Australia for England in 1964, appearing on stage in theatres such as The Old Vic. He returned to Australia for more stage work and eventually made his film debut in 1977's 'The Love Letters from Teralba Road'. International recognition of his talents started with 'Breaker Morant' and 'The Thorn Birds' TV mini-series. Bryan's career took a turn when he established a production company.

Bryan married his English co-star from 'The Thorn Birds', Rachel Ward, in the 1983. Rachel's great grandfather had been the Governor-General of Australia between 1908 and 1911.

Movies referred to in the question were 'Palm Beach' (1980), 'Cocktail' (1988), 'Dead Heart' (1996) and 'Australia' made in 2008. 'A Town Like Alice' was a TV mini-series made in 1981.

Answer: Rod Taylor

Rodney Sturt 'Rod' Taylor was born in Sydney, Australia, in 1930. His mother was a writer, his father a commercial artist. Rod also worked as a commercial artist until he was inspired to act by seeing Sir Laurence Olivier on the stage. After early roles in Australian productions, he made his way to America and a successful career. His first leading role was in 'The Time Machine' made in 1960. Three years later he starred in 'The Birds' with Tippi Hedren. Married three times, his daughter Felicia from his second marriage has worked as an anchorwoman for CNN's financial coverage.

Other movies referred to in the question were '36 Hours (1965), 'The Glass Bottom Boat' (1966), and 'Hotel (1967). 'Bus Stop' was a TV series made in 1961.

Answer: Hugh Jackman

Hugh Michael Jackman was born in Sydney, Australia in 1968. He acted while in school but never thought it would be a career. He attained a BA in Communications and then studied acting formally. He finished his course and went straight into a TV series called 'Corelli' which launched his career. The London stage introduced him to the rest of the world when he played Curly in 'Oklahoma!' to great acclaim. While making 'Corelli' (1995), Hugh met actress Deborra-Lee Furness and the couple married in 1996.

The movies referred to in the question were 'Paperback Hero' (1999), 'Someone Like You', 'Swordfish' and 'Kate & Leopold' (all 2001) and 'Australia' made in 2008 (referenced by 'in the land down under').

Answer: Peter Finch

Frederick George Peter Ingle Finch was born in London, UK, in 1916. His mother was English and his father was an Australian scientist working in the UK. Due to a family breakup he was sent to Australia to live with a relative in Sydney after spending his early childhood in France and India. He was nominated for an Oscar for his role in 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' (1971) and then won an Oscar for 'Network' which was made in 1976. Peter Finch died before Oscar nominations were released but he received the first posthumous Oscar awarded for acting.

The movies referred to in the question were 'A Town Like Alice' ( 1954), 'Girl with Green Eyes' (1964), 'Judith' (1966), 'Far from the Madding Crowd' (1967), and 'Something to Hide' and 'Network' which were both made in 1976.

Answer: Cate Blanchett

Catherine Élise 'Cate' Blanchett was born in 1969 in Melbourne, Australia. She started acting in high school and won an Oscar for her performance in 'The Aviator' (2004). A graduate of NIDA, her career has encompassed the silver screen and the stage. She has been the patron of the Sydney Film Festival and the creative director of the Sydney Theatre Company. Cate married screenwriter Andrew Upton in 1997.

The clues in the question were the movies 'Paradise Road', 'Thank God He Met Lizzie' (both 1997), 'An Ideal Husband' (1999), 'Charlotte Grey' (2001), and 'Veronica Guerin' and 'Coffee and Cigarettes' both made in 2003. 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' was made in 2008.