Bryan Brown Hated English as a Kid — One Book Changed Everything
Growing up in Sydney, literature meant nothing to future actor Bryan Brown. Yet a single flight sparked his passion for storytelling, reshaping his career and life.
From Reluctant Reader to Storyteller
Today, Brown is not only a celebrated actor but also a bestselling author. His career spans decades, with roles in television classics like The Thorn Birds and films such as Breaker Morant, Cocktail alongside Tom Cruise, and Gorillas In The Mist with Sigourney Weaver.
Late-Blooming Love for Books
“I hated English at school,” he says. “Because we got things like Great Expectations to read...”
He admits now that Dickens’ novel is a masterpiece, but not ideal for a sporty teenager. “Not when you’re bloody 12 or 14 or 16, and you want to play sport,” he explains with a laugh.
Writing Takes Center Stage
In recent years, Brown has reinvented himself as a crime writer. His first book, Sweet Jimmy (2021), was a collection of short stories, followed by his debut novel The Drowning (2023). His third novel, The Hidden, is being released this month.
Life Beyond Acting
When we meet for lunch in Fitzroy, he’s in Melbourne to record a podcast. Despite his appearance, he confesses with a grin,
“I’ve never listened to a podcast, ever.”Brown lives in Sydney with his wife, actor and director Rachel Ward.
Author’s Summary
Bryan Brown turned his youthful aversion to English into a passion for storytelling, evolving from rugged screen icon to acclaimed novelist who now inspires readers worldwide.