John Ewart's career began at the tender age of four when he played 'Dopey' in a 3XY radio production of 'Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs'. This early start led to numerous radio shows and theatre productions, ultimately catching the attention of legendary filmmaker Charles Chauval.
At 18, John made his film debut in The Rugged O'Riordans (1949),playing the coveted leading role of the youngest son. When television arrived in Australia in 1956, John began hosting a live children's show on Channel 2 Sydney, which ran for eight years.
Throughout his prolific career, John also appeared on variety shows, panel games, and quizzes. He had great success on stage, performing in countless productions for various theatre companies, including the Melbourne Theatre Company, Sydney Theatre Company, and The Comedy Theatre Restaurant.
In 1975, John featured in The Last of the Australians (1975),the first Australian sitcom to be filmed before a live studio audience. He made over 30 films, more than Errol Flynn and many other star names of the time.
John celebrated his 50th year as an actor in 1982, surrounded by friends, including British actor Robin Nedwell and Australian film and television personalities. He was famous for his ongoing role in The Restless Years (1977) at the time.
In 1983, John starred in the Australian Christmas favourite film Bush Christmas (1983),alongside young Nicole Kidman and John Howard. However, the film he remained most proud of was The Picture Show Man (1977),for which he won the 1977 Australian Film Institute Award for best supporting actor.
John attempted to break into the international film industry in Hollywood but returned disappointed but not disillusioned. He continued to make a succession of films, including Newsfront (1978),and appeared on TV.
In 1978, John was rushed to hospital with a serious case of Hepatitis, given a 50% chance of survival. He lost two stone but was back on his feet within a month. Due to the damage to his liver, John was forced to give up his drinking.
In 1991, at the age of 62, John was diagnosed with throat cancer. He coped with cancer by laughing a lot and, in his final weeks, married his long-time love Jane Fennell, a former actress and Miss Jane in the children's show Mr. Squiggle and Friends (1959).
Following John's death, Australian actor Charles 'Bud' Tingwell made a financial gift to John's former school, Scotch College, in Melbourne, to honour John's contribution to the entertainment industry. John is survived by four children and four grandchildren.
