FilmBus

Gerard Kennedy

Once described early in his career as Australia's version of 1950's Hollywood action star Jeff Chandler, sharing his rugged looks and intense performances, Gerard began in theater before moving to television playing memorable villains in Homicide (1964). This led to his breakthrough role as enemy espionage agent Kragg in Hunter (1967), the arch nemesis of the title character played by Tony Ward. The Kragg role proved so popular with audiences that the producers surprisingly had the character change sides to become Hunter's ally. Following Ward's departure from the series, Gerard assumed the lead role, before he was given his own show, playing reliable Detective Frank Banner in Division 4 (1969). This role would last six years and earn him many awards, including two gold Logies as most popular personality on Australian television. Following his long period playing Banner, Gerard had lead roles in many successful series and mini-series, including Tandarra (1976), Against the Wind (1978), and The Last Outlaw (1980). Much preferring to be part of an ensemble cast rather than as the star, he then took roles in established series, such as the airport manager in Skyways (1979), and later as the dependable Luke Mitchell in The Flying Doctors (1986). Continuing his long acting career in both movies and television, one of Gerard's more recent roles was as a memorable gangland patriarch in the controversial mini series Underbelly (2008). But he will always be identified for his realistic portrayals of idealist agent Kragg, and dedicated cop Frank Banner, roles that made him a reluctant television celebrity, rather than the versatile character actor he had intended to become.

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