Bryan Brown’s Journey From Hating English to Becoming a Crime Writer
Bryan Brown grew up in Sydney with little interest in literature. He openly admits, “I hated English at school.” The challenge of reading classics like Great Expectations was particularly off-putting as a child.
“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...”
Despite this, a long plane flight eventually unlocked his passion for storytelling. Brown, now 78, is a charismatic figure known for his rugged charm and memorable roles in both television and film. His career highlights include the TV classic The Thorn Birds, the film Breaker Morant, and starring alongside Tom Cruise in Cocktail and Sigourney Weaver in Gorillas In The Mist.
Transition to Writing
Beyond acting, Brown has become a respected author. His writing is not just celebrity memoirs but authentic crime fiction. His first book, Sweet Jimmy, a collection of short stories, appeared in 2021. In 2023, he released his debut novel, The Drowning, and this month his third book, The Hidden, was published.
Personal Life and Present Activities
Despite living in Sydney with his wife, actress and director Rachel Ward, Brown recently visited Melbourne for a podcast recording, humorously confessing, “I’ve never listened to a podcast, ever.”
Bryan Brown, in person, is exactly as you’d expect – ruggedly handsome, charismatic, and swears like a f---ing champion.
Summary
Bryan Brown overcame childhood dislike for literature to become an acclaimed crime writer and beloved actor, proving transformations can happen at any age.