When you think of Australian celebrities, the first name that comes to mind might be Paul Hogan (better known as “Crocodile Dundee”) or the late, great Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. But Australia has produced more than just rugged outdoorsman possessing uncanny skills with reptiles. Some of the biggest stars of stage, screen, music and sports – household names in the U.S. – actually hail from Oz.
Hugh Jackman
Born in Sydney in 1968, Hugh Jackman is recognized the world over for his roles on stage and screen, perhaps most notably for playing the part of Logan/Wolverine in the movie versions of the “X-Men” comic series. However, he is a highly respected stage actor as well, and he earned the Tony Award for Best Actor in 2004 for his role in the Broadway show “The Boy From Oz.”
Kylie Minogue
The pop music superstar Kylie Minogue actually got her start playing the role of Charlene on the popular Australian soap opera “Neighbours.” But when a record executive overheard her recording of the 1960s pop hit “Loco-Motion,” an international superstar was born. Minogue’s 1988 debut album “Kylie” opened at number one on both the U.K. and Australian charts – a feat never before accomplished by a woman – and spawned several singles in both countries plus the U.S. While American audiences didn’t hear much from Minogue for the next decade or so, she developed a huge fan base in Australia and Europe, selling millions of albums and winning plenty of awards. In 2002, she made a comeback in the U.S. with the hit “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” and the album “Fever.” After overcoming breast cancer in 2005, Minogue continued to create music, and she is still one of the most respected artists in the world.
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban
Actress Nicole Kidman and musician Keith Urban are a power couple both in the U.S. and Australia – and rank among the wealthiest Australians. Kidman, who was born in the U.S. to Australian parents and returned to Sydney as a child, starred in several Australian television shows and movies before making a splash in the U.S. film “Days of Thunder” with her now ex-husband Tom Cruise. Kidman won the Best Actress Academy Award for her performance as Virginia Woolf in 2002’s “The Hours,” in which she disguised her beauty with a prosthetic nose.
After divorcing Cruise in 2001, Kidman married fellow Australian and country music superstar Keith Urban in June of 2006. Before marrying Kidman, Urban was well-respected in his own right, having sold millions of albums and won multiple awards, including CMA, ACM and Grammy Awards. In 2004, he was the first Australian to win the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Award, and the following year, he was named Entertainer of the Year.
The Wiggles
At the other end of the musical spectrum, the children’s entertainment group The Wiggles are some of Australia’s wealthiest and most popular performers. The group, made up of performers Anthony Field, Jeff Fatt, Greg Page and Murray Cook, has delighted children around the world with their silly adventures, catchy tunes and gentle lessons for over two decades – and the group collectively earned nearly $30 million in 2010 alone. The Wiggles’ empire includes a television show, movies, albums, concert tours and merchandise ranging from action figures to clothing.
Elle MacPherson
Consistently ranked among the most beautiful women in the world, Australian model Elle MacPherson was one of the world’s first supermodels, appearing on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition a record five times. However, MacPherson is more than just a gorgeous face – she’s also an incredibly successful businesswoman and producer. She is the creative force behind a successful line of lingerie bearing her name and the producer and star of an upcoming U.S. television program for aspiring designers. She’s also an accomplished actress, appearing in multiple films and on several television shows in recurring roles.
Greg Norman
Known as “The Shark” in the golf world, Australian golfer Greg Norman was one of the most successful players of the 1980s and 90s, spending a total of 331 weeks in the number one position during that time. A native of Queensland, Norman is known for his aggressive style of play. Since retiring from professional golf, Norman has increased his fortune through his multinational corporation, Great White Shark Enterprises, which focuses on golf and golf lifestyle businesses. He has designed golf courses around the world, created multiple branded real estate developments, launched both wine and beef brands and opened several restaurants. He’s also been active in charity, including establishing the Greg Norman Golf Foundation to help provide golf instruction to young people in Queensland.
These are just a few of the major celebrities who hail from Australia. Chances are, the next time you catch a flick or buy some music, you’ll find an Australian who was involved in some way – even if it’s just wrangling crocs.
[box]This guest post article was written and provided by Erica Gustafson who is an avid Australia traveler, freelance writer and digital media consultant for Expedia. When traveling to Australia she enjoys staying at the Stamford Plaza Brisbane hotel.[/box]
