Bryan Brown’s Journey from Disliking English to Becoming an Author
Bryan Brown, the Australian actor known for his rugged charm and memorable roles, once detested English classes as a child. Growing up in Sydney, literature held little interest for him until a long plane journey awakened his storytelling gift.
A Recognizable Face in Film and Television
At 78 years old, Brown remains instantly recognizable due to his iconic roles in classic productions from the “event TV era” like The Thorn Birds, films such as Breaker Morant, and alongside stars like Tom Cruise in Cocktail and Sigourney Weaver in Gorillas In The Mist. Despite his age, his charisma and authenticity continue to captivate audiences.
From Actor to Bestselling Crime Writer
Brown’s transition from acting to writing surprised many. His first book, a short story collection titled Sweet Jimmy, was published in 2021. He followed it with his debut novel, The Drowning, in 2023, and his third book, The Hidden, was released this November.
Bryan Brown on Disliking School Reading
“I hated English at school. Because we got things like Great Expectations to read…”
“Not when you’re bloody 12 and 14 and 16, and you want to play sport...”
He now admits Dickens’ classic is a great novel, but it was tough to appreciate it at a young age.
Meeting Bryan Brown
The meeting took place over lunch in Fitzroy. Although Brown lives in Sydney with his wife, actor and director Rachel Ward, he was in Melbourne for a podcast appearance. He surprisingly confessed, “I’ve never listened to a podcast, ever.”
Author’s summary: Bryan Brown’s early dislike of reading gave way to success as a celebrated actor and bestselling crime writer, unveiling a powerful personal and creative transformation.