John Waters is a renowned Australian television, film, and theatrical actor, born on December 8, 1948, in London, England, to Scottish actor Russell Waters and wife Barbara. He was raised in a 2-bedroom flat in Teddington, Middlesex, near the Thames TV studios, where his father's film studio was located.
Growing up, John was exposed to the film industry from a young age, making his acting debut at 10 in the 1958 film "A Night to Remember." He continued to appear in various films and television shows throughout his childhood, including "Dr. Syn" and "Z Cars."
John attended Hampton Grammar School from 1960 to 1967, where he played the role of Macbeth in the school play, sporting his signature long hair. He was also part of a rock and roll band called The Riots, performing as a teenager.
In 1968, John took advantage of the Australian government's "ten pound" offer and sailed to Australia with his guitar and a few pounds in his pocket. He worked on a sheep station before moving to Sydney, where he became a storeman by day and a cover band frontman by night. He eventually landed a job as a grip on the set of the film "Adam's Woman," starring Beau Bridges.
John's breakthrough role came when he was cast as Claude in the 1969 production of the rock musical "Hair" in Sydney. This led to a successful acting career on stage, film, and television, earning him the title of Australia's most versatile leading man.
To appear more mature, John added five years to his age in the early 1970s, along with exciting stories about how he acquired the scar beneath his left eye. He eventually let the extra years slip and returned to his real age.
John has appeared in numerous television shows, including "Rush," "All the Rivers Run," "Homicide," "The Box," and "Young Lions." He has also starred in several films, such as "End Play," "Summerfield," "Breaker Morant," and "The Real McCaw."
As a theatrical performer, John has starred in various productions, including "Hair," "Godspell," "Dracula," "Jesus Christ Superstar," and "The Sound of Music." He has also written and composed the rock musical "ReUnion" with his friend Stewart D'Arrietta.
John has been married three times and has five children, including two sets of twins. He is a grandfather of two and continues to be one of the most employable actors in Australia.
