Bryan Brown, the iconic Australian actor recognizable for his rugged good looks and a career spanning decades, has not only remained a prominent figure in film and television but also made a remarkable transition into the literary world. At 78, Brown continues to captivate audiences, having carved out a niche as a bestselling crime author. His recent works—Sweet Jimmy, released in 2021, followed by his debut novel The Drowning in 2023, and now The Hidden—demonstrate his evolving talent and passion for storytelling.
In a candid lunchtime conversation held in Fitzroy, Brown, who resides in Sydney with his wife, actor and director Rachel Ward, shares insights into his life as an actor and now a writer. His upbringing in working-class Bankstown presented significant challenges, especially in school. “I hated English at school,” he reflects, citing classic novels like Great Expectations as uninspiring to a youth eager to engage in sports.
Brown’s early working life began as an actuary at AMP, a path he quickly deemed “boring as batshit.” After four years, he transitioned into sales, a role he enjoyed more. It was during this time that a passion for acting was ignited after discovering his company’s theatre club. This newfound interest eventually led him to the UK to pursue a career in acting, which brought immense joy to his mother, who had wanted him to find stability in his life.
Molly Brown’s encouragement and support became a pivotal part of his journey. As Brown recalls, “eventually, I did a show called A Town Like Alice and the whole f—ing country knew me and she was happy.” It was after moving to England that he began reading for pleasure, discovering a life-changing book, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. This sparked a lifelong love of reading, particularly in the crime fiction genre.
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Brown’s inspiration for writing crime stories came from a news report about Australian drug mules in Hong Kong, leading him to ponder the perspective of those unknowingly caught up in criminal activities. What started as an idea for a television series became Sweet Jimmy, his acclaimed collection of short stories. Originally believing it would be a one-time venture, he soon found joy in crafting narratives and began exploring more stories.
His latest novel, The Hidden, unfolds within a small coastal community, weaving a tale of intricate lives and hidden complexities. Characters, such as beleaguered farmers and caring educators, populate a town that appears tranquil on the surface but conceals dark undercurrents of crime and voyeurism. Brown’s knack for creating flawed, multifaceted characters adds depth to the plot, inviting readers to understand the intricacies of human nature.
Brown’s writing style is unpretentious, marked by short, punchy sentences that reflect his cinematic background. He brings characters to life through concise, vivid descriptions, forgoing florid language for clarity and impact. “There’s not a lot of adjectives; they’re short, sharp sentences,” he observes, capturing the essence of his storytelling approach.
Having accumulated over 80 film and television credits, Brown reveals that his decades in the industry inform his writing process. Despite his vast experience, Brown approaches each narrative without meticulous planning. He enjoys letting the characters develop organically as he navigates the unfolding story, ultimately tying their paths together.
Interwoven in this discussion are reflections on his notable roles, such as the underworld boss Pando in Two Hands, and his other works alongside directors like Baz Luhrmann and Bruce Beresford. He recalls working with Ken Russell on Dog Boys, referring to him fondly as “a lovely man.”
Now promoting his new film The Travellers alongside The Hidden, Brown shows no signs of slowing down. He still takes joy in surfing and storytelling, stating, “I’m really just doing what I’ve always done… I tell stories.” As a testament to his enduring presence in both realms, Brown is also scheduled for a public conversation at the State Library of Melbourne.
With The Hidden already making waves, and audiences curious for what’s next, Bryan Brown continues to inspire both readers and aspiring writers alike. The evolution from celebrated actor to respected author exemplifies a remarkable journey, showcasing a creative spirit undeterred by age or previous achievements.
