He has appeared in Australian films spanning 4 decades and he racked up more than 80 credits in TV and film during that time.
Rob Steele passed way in Nowra on Saturday night aged 81.
The former Binalong local was one of Australia’s better known actors and although he never had many leading roles, he always provided strong supporting roles where he was able to put his own twist on the character.
He began in the industry in 1973 in Our Man in the Company and went on to star in a number of soaps, action shows and comedies including, The Aunty Jack Show, Homicide, The Young Doctors and Matlock Police.
He will forever be immortalised in legendary films such as the Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith and the groundbreaking Breaker Morant where he played Captain Robertson alongside a young Ray Meagher, Jack Thompson and Bryan Brown in 1980.
He returned to TV with roles in Carson’s Law, Sons and Daughters and E Street before appearing in the critically acclaimed Brides of Christ alongside Naomi Watts and Russell Crowe.
Muriel’s Wedding saw him play the red nosed ‘Higgins’ mate of Bill Hunter, the mayor of Porpoise Spit, alongside future stars Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths.
Steele spent the next decade with roles in A Country Practice, Home and Away and Fireflies.
The Binalong Players saw him work alongside and direct many local productions which were used to fundraise for local charities.
These included, Reedy River and Dimboola.
Rob Steele will be sorely missed amongst the Australian acting fraternity and the tight-knit Binalong community.
The Times wishes to pass on condolences to Rob’s family.
