Peter Finch (Actor)

Rugged, husky, intelligent leading man who lived in Australia from age 10, appearing in indigenous films from the mid-1930s and enjoying some success as a radio actor. Finch's screen career took off after he was spotted by Laurence Olivier, who invited him to London in 1949. After some highly successful stage work, his film career took off as he approached middle age in the mid-1950s with films including the slight but charming romantic comedy "Simon and Laura" (1955) and the somber war drama, "A Town Like Alice" (1956). "The Nun's Story" (1959), in which he played a crusty surgeon working until rough conditions in the Belgian Congo, marked an early successful involvement with US and international production.

Finch was somewhat less busy during the 60s, but early in the decade he gave acclaimed, award-winning performances in the title role of "The Trials of Oscar Wilde" (1960) and the Parliament-set drama, "No Love for Johnnie" (1961). He also teamed memorably with Anne Bancroft in the fine marital drama, "The Pumpkin Eater" (1964). The 70s saw the dynamic, gruff Finch in outstanding form as the homosexual doctor in "Sunday Bloody Sunday" (1971) and as the raving news commentator in his swansong, "Network" (1976) for which he won a posthumous Oscar. Son Charles Finch made his writing and directing debut with "Love Dream" (1988).