John Hamblin
John Hamblin (born 1935)[1] nicknamed Funny John[2] is a retired English-Australian children's television presenter and actor of stage and screen who has appeared in numerous soap operas and made-for-TV films. He is best known for his 29-year stint presenting children's program Play School from 1970 to 1999 and drama The Restless Years [1]
John Hamblin | |
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| Born | 1935 (age 85–86)[1][2] Suffolk, England |
| Nationality |
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| Occupation | Television presenter, actor |
| Years active | 1959–1988, 2000–2009 |
| Known for |
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Hamblin was born and grew up in Suffolk, England. His father had flown with the Flying Corps during World War I and Hamblin himself joined the Air Force and did his national service in Cyprus in the late 1950s before returning to England. Initially he trained at art school, but decided on a career in acting instead and studied drama to become an actor. He started his career in repertory theatre with the Theatre Royal, Windsor before an appearance in the cult TV series The Prisoner - the episode 'A Change of Mind'. He came to Australia in the early 60s as a Ten Pound Pom and worked with the Sydney Theatre Company and also secured roles in television throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s, including roles in soap operas Number 96, Class of '74, The Young Doctors (as Dr Dan Wheatley), Case for the Defence and Sons and Daughters. After a brief hiatus he returned to television in guest roles in All Saints and Love My Way in the 2000s. Having been a presenter of Play School he was the second most prolific presenter, appearing in 357 episodes[1] while fellow presenter Benita Collings appeared in 401 episodes.[3] Hamblin played the role of Michael Chamberlain in The Disappearance of Azaria Chamberlain. He published a memoir in 2008, titled "Open Wide, Come Inside" and retired in 2009.[2] He currently resides in Tasmania, with his third wife Jenny
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | |
| 1959 | Quatermass and the Pit (miniseries) | Newsvendor | |
| 1959 | Season of Passion | uncredited | |
| 1960 | Scotland Yard (TV series) | Thomas Miller | |
| 1967 | The Prisoner (TV series) | 1st Woodland Man | |
| 1969 | RipTide (TV series) | Wallace's Mate | |
| 1971 | The Comedy Game (TV series) | ||
| 1972 | Number 96 (TV series) | Dr. Mike Cavanagh | |
| 1974 | This Love Affair (TV series) | Andrew | |
| 1974-1975 | Class of 75 (TV series) | Donald Blair | |
| 1976 | The Bushranger (TV movie) | Sergeant Dunbar | |
| 1977 | The Young Doctors (TV series) | Dr. Dan Wheatley | |
| 1978 | Case for the Defence (TV series) | John Cass | |
| 1979 | Skyways (TV series) | Bob Kennedy | |
| 1978-1980 | The Restless Years (TV series) | A.R. Jordon | |
| 1980 | Spring and Fall (TV series) | ||
| 1980 | The Timeless Year (mini-series) | Robert Campbell | |
| 1982 | Secret Valley (TV series) | Mr. Melrose | |
| 1983 | Who Killed Baby Azaria? (TV movie) | Michael Chamberlain | |
| 1983 | Starting Out (TV series) | Dr. James Holt | |
| 1984 | Run, Chrissie Run! | Cathys father | |
| 1984 | The Last Bastian (miniseries) | Anthony Eden | |
| 1984 | Runaway Island (TV series) | Lachlan McLeod | |
| 1984 | Crime of the Decade (TV movie) | Ian Henderson | |
| 1984 | A Street to Die | Dr. Walker | |
| 1985 | Winners (TV series) | Doctor | |
| 1986 | Tusatala (miniseries) | Dr. Eisner | |
| 1987 | Sons and Daughters (TV series) | Frank Porter | |
| 1988 | Rafferty's Rules (TV series) | Tom Herman | |
| 2000 | All Saints (TV series) | Alex Knight | |
| 2001 | Pizza (TV series) | Judge | |
| 2006 | Love my Way (TV series) | Clive | |
| 2009 | There's a Heaven Above You (film short) | Party Background |
Presenter
| Year | Title | Role |
| 1970-1999 | Play School | Himself as host |
References
- Craig, Natalie (20 May 2008). "Don't tell the children". The Age. Retrieved 21 May 2010.
- https://pressreader.com/australia/womans-day-australia/20200921/283613877589050. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - http://www.abc.net.au/tv/canwehelp/txt/s2669799.htm
