Industry remembers Jon Blake
Colleagues remember Jon Blake as an actor with 'star quality,' always looking to find something in his characters.
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under News
Jon Blake died of complications from pneumonia on Sunday at the age of 52.
As a young actor he had been dubbed “the next Mel Gibson” after starring in the Australian film The Lighthorsemen. But a serious car accident on the last day of filming in 1986 left him with permanent brain damage and ended a promising career.
Born in New Zealand and trained as a professional boxer, Blake’s first major role was on the soap The Restless Years as ‘Sonny.’
He appeared in a number of other shows and miniseries including A Country Practice and The Slim Dusty Movie.
But he achieved major success with a starring role in Nine’s miniseries ANZACs.
Channel TEN entertainment reporter Angela Bishop tweeted late yesterday afternoon that Blake’s son Dustin “would like to thank all the nurses & volunteers who cared for him over 25 years. RIP”. She had recently profiled the father and son on 6:30 with George Negus. Yesterday on TEN News, she fought back tears as she revealed the news.
Industry stars yesterday paid tribute to Blake.
Peter Phelps, who pulled him from the car trip that claimed Blake’s career, said, “We had formed a really good friendship in the Lighthorsemen, going up to the hills and to the pub together.
“There was always some hope that with the mystery of a brain injury there was a chance. I hope there was no pain.”
Tony Bonner, who worked with Blake on both The Lighthorsemen and ANZACs, said, “He wasn’t just content to be a young actor, he wanted to find something in his characters – to peel another coat of the onion away.
“It’s a blessing of some kind that Jon is not travelling in any more pain. I hope that he is in a peaceful place now.”
Gary Sweet said, “We got on very well… we used to sit around and shoot the breeze, and he was very popular with the ladies.”
Producer Hal McElroy once said, ”I’ve seen it in everything he has done: star quality. I think he’s talented, and I still see it in his face since the accident, that there is something happening there that’s extraordinary and irresistible … to an audience.”
A funeral will be held later this week.
Source: News Limited, Fairfax, ABC
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- Tagged with 6:30 with George Negus, A Country Practice, ANZACS, TEN News, The Restless Years
9 Responses
So many wonderful memories of Jon……..a great guy and friend who introduced us to fine wine……for that we are eternally grateful….!!!!!! Our heartfelt thoughts are with Dustin and Family……R.I.P. “Sonny”…………..Nick Hedstrom, Annie and Richelle xx
Finally he is at peace now with his loving mother.Such a sad story of a life that had so much promise.RIP JON
If I recall correctly, his character in TRY was Alan Archer. His was billed as Sonny Blake.
Such a sad loss.
Sad that he never achieved the greatness he deserved.
I just hope some bloody network, shows the film The Lighthorsmen as a bloody tribute to the late Jon blake.
P.S. David nag the bloody networks to show the movie cheers
He was so gorgeous.
And it was all so sad. 🙁
Rest In Peace Jon 🙁
I am glad to see that he is being remembered for his talent after 25 years of being out of the public eye. He was certainly something. What a beautiful photo too. RIP Jon, be at peace.
I am very sad to read this, but like Tony Bonner, my wish too is that his pain is over. A very sad life. He was such a beautiful young guy, it is amazing that he survived some 25years after that horrific accident. I hope he and his Mum are at peace together.
David i could not find many images of Jon apart from The Lighthorsemen.However i did come across the above & thought what i fine looking man Jon was.Be at peace.