Bryan Brown, the iconic Australian actor, exudes the rugged charm and charisma one might expect from a star who has graced screens for decades. At 78 years old, he remains a captivating presence, known for his roles in classic television and cinema, including “The Thorn Birds” and films like “Breaker Morant” and “Cocktail.” Despite his illustrious acting career, Brown has successfully transitioned into the literary world as a bestselling crime writer.
His first venture into literature came in 2021 with “Sweet Jimmy,” a collection of short stories, followed by his debut novel, “The Drowning,” in 2023. Now, he is set to release his third book, “The Hidden.” This newfound passion for writing is especially notable given his childhood disdain for reading, attributing it partly to encounters with classic literature that failed to resonate with him at a young age.
Brown often shares that his formative years in Bankstown, a working-class suburb of Sydney, didn’t align with the English curriculum’s expectations. He discovered a love for reading only after boarding a flight to England, where he picked up “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee,” leading him to eventually pursue writing.
His lunchtime conversation took place in Fitzroy, Melbourne, where he was in town for a podcast appearance—a medium he admits he has never engaged with. Growing up, he found solace in math rather than literature and initially embarked on a conventional career as an actuary before feeling drawn towards sales and, ultimately, acting.
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A turning point came when Brown discovered his company’s theatre club, igniting an interest that propelled him to England to study acting. His mother, Molly, was supportive despite the uncertainty of his decision. Reflecting on her hopes for his future, Brown mentioned, “When I think about it now, it must have been like a kick in the guts. She just wanted me to be secure.”
Brown’s mother would likely be proud not only of his acting success but also of his emergence as a writer. He now devotes time to reading several crime novels each week, which serve as an escape and inspiration for his writing. His interest in crime fiction began unexpectedly after a news report about Australians caught smuggling drugs in Hong Kong. This event sparked the idea for his stories, culminating in “Sweet Jimmy,” which was initially intended as a television series.
His writing style is characterized by concise, impactful dialogue, often reflecting his approach as an actor. He appreciates the freedom that comes with writing, in contrast to the collaborative nature of filmmaking, where multiple voices shape the final product. “I enjoy it. As an actor, I get a page of stuff that a producer’s had something to do with… Sitting at a screen, you know, there’s nothing there!” he noted.
“The Hidden,” set in a small coastal town, weaves intricate tales of a community grappling with internal turmoil, including themes of gambling and voyeurism. Drawing inspiration from real-life experiences—such as a conversation with a tradesman during a home installation—Brown explores the complexities of small-town life. He describes these communities as places where everyone thinks they know each other, yet hidden depths lurk beneath the surface.
Brown’s distinctive writing style echoes his cinematic storytelling. His characters are vividly drawn, reflecting the subtleties of human nature. He acknowledges that his decades of experience in film undoubtedly influence his writing, as storytelling remains his primary passion.
As he continues to work in both film and literature, with his latest film “The Travellers” soon hitting theaters, it’s clear that Bryan Brown shows no signs of slowing down. His commitment to storytelling—whether on screen or across the pages of his novels—remains steadfast. He enjoys a life rich with creativity, firmly asserting that he is “really just doing what I’ve always done.”
With “The Hidden” now available and upcoming discussions scheduled, Brown’s legacy as a storyteller continues to evolve, marking a remarkable chapter in an already distinguished career.
