Frank Thring Australian character actor Date of Birth: 11.05.1926 Country: Australia

1. Frank Thring: The Australian Character Actor
2. Notable Roles
3. Early Life and Career
4. Success in London and Hollywood
5. Later Life and Legacy

Frank Thring: The Australian Character Actor

Frank Thring was an iconic Australian character actor known for his distinctive appearance that lent itself well to villainous roles. With his tall and imposing stature, thin aquiline nose, menacing eyes, disapproving expression, and confident voice, Frank Thring was a natural fit for playing ancient Roman aristocrats on screen.

Notable Roles

Two of his most memorable performances include Pontius Pilate in the epic film "Ben-Hur" and Herod Antipas in "King of Kings." Thring was so convincing in these roles that audiences believed he truly descended from ancient kings.

Although Thring was a versatile actor capable of playing both comedy and drama, it was his portrayal of Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas that overshadowed his other work. His appearance perfectly suited him for villainous characters, with his tall and imposing stature, thin aquiline nose, menacing eyes, disapproving expression, and confident voice.

Early Life and Career

Francis William Thring Jr. was born on May 11, 1926, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He came from a showbiz family, with his father, Francis William Thring Sr., being a director, producer, and screenwriter who founded and led the successful Eftee Studio in the 1920s. Thring Sr. was also a partner in the entertainment chain Hoyts. Interestingly, he invented a device similar to a cap gun that is widely used in filmmaking today.

Thring Jr. grew up as the only child in a privileged upbringing, attending prestigious private schools. His earliest memories were of his mother, Olive Kreitmeyer, adjusting flowers in vases attached to the columns in the foyer of the Regent Theatre in Melbourne. When Thring was 10 years old, his father passed away.

After finishing school, Thring joined the military and served in the Royal Australian Air Force. He made his stage debut in 1945 at the age of 19 and soon became an actor and manager at the Arrow Theatre, his own repertory theater in Melbourne. However, Thring had ambitions beyond Australia and set his sights on London.

Success in London and Hollywood

In the 1950s, one of Thring's stage performances in London caught the attention of Kirk Douglas, who invited him to Hollywood to try his hand at film acting. Thring's notable works include "The Vikings" and "The Flaming Sword" in 1958, "Ben-Hur" in 1959, "King of Kings" and "El Cid" in 1961, "Age of Consent" in 1969, "Ned Kelly" in 1970, "The Man from Hong Kong" in 1975, "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome" in 1985, and many others.

Later Life and Legacy

In his later years, Thring struggled with alcoholism, which had a detrimental impact on his career. He worked as a theater and television critic, known for his sharp and acerbic reviews. Thring also appeared in commercials and made numerous television appearances, including talk shows, quiz shows, and weekly programs.

Thring was briefly married to London actress Joan Cunliffe in the 1950s, although he identified as gay. He passed away on December 29, 1994, at the age of 68, in Melbourne, due to cancer. His body was cremated, and his ashes were scattered off the southern coast of Victoria.