Actor Martin Vaughan, who played the lead role in the ABC mini-series Power Without Glory, has died at the age of 91.
Born in Queensland, Vaughan came to Melbourne as an adult and began work as a public servant before discovering an interest in amateur theatre. His interest turned professional when he signed with The Union Theatre, later to become the Melbourne Theatre Company.
His earliest TV credits included guest appearances in Hunter, Spyforce, Boney, Seven Little Australians, Division 4, Homicide, Matlock Police and Luke’s Kingdom.
Martin Vaughan and Val Jellay in Matlock Police
After starring in ABC telemovies Billy And Percy and They Don’t Clap Losers, his big break came when he was cast as John West in the 26-part Power Without Glory, the adaptation of the novel by Frank Hardy.
His performance in Power Without Glory won him a TV Week Logie Award in 1977 for Most Popular Lead Actor.
He went on to appearances in Cop Shop, Skyways, Glenview High, Chopper Squad, Bellamy, 1915 and The Dismissal before starring as saxophonist Shrug Yates in ABC’s Sweet And Sour.
Later credits included Mother And Son, Special Squad, A Country Practice, Willing And Abel, A Fortunate Life, Rafferty’s Rules, Come In Spinner, GP, Water Rats, Heartbreak High, Head Start, Grass Roots, Blue Heelers, Murder Call, All Saints, Headland, H2O: Just Add Water, Crownies and Rake.
Film credits included Picnic At Hanging Rock, We Of The Never Never, Phar Lap, Kokoda Crescent, The Man Who Sued God and Australian Rules.
YouTube: tapesalvage
He retired from acting in 2013 but continued writing up until his death.
Vale Martin Vaughan. A talented actor who I admired and had the privilege of interviewing for @NFSAonline‘s oral history collection. Condolences to his family pic.twitter.com/awkMPsf069
— Nigel Giles (@Number96Bk) November 9, 2022
Source: IMDB. TV Times, 10 July 1976.
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Well remembered as such a fine actor.
I worked with Martin in Customs in the 60s. I recall him playing the recorder in the office to break the monotony. He was a real gentleman. My sincere condolences to you ad your family
Thank you for acknowledging our Dad. We’re all very proud of him..
Author
Thank you for the lovely comment, Tania, and my condolences to your family on your loss.
Dear Tania
I am sad to hear of your fathers passing
He taught me how to cook so many things when we all lived in Elwood
I loved your Mum too
Thinking of you and sending a hug
Greta
Tania, although l had very little time with my uncle, l was very proud of his acting achievements, as was my mum, Milly, Martin’s sisters, Audrey and June. My sincerest condolences. I loved our time together with your family at Nan’s house in Qld. Love from your cousin Jan.
Dear Tania Vaughan
I am a very old friend of your Mum and Dad
Think of you all often
Especially you and Mitch
Sending warm hugs
Greta (Kellock) Sangster
Dear Tania, my husband John Peters and I have been friends with your dad for many decades.
We were so saddened to hear of his death. We are very sorry for your loss. He was a fine actor and a beautiful person. Our sympathies are with you all at this time.
Carol & John Peters
Dear Tania, I played Joey alongside Martin in 1975’s production of “They Don’t Clap Losers” which was screened on the first night of colour television 1 March 1975. I have the fondest memories of Martin who took me under his wing. We had some emotional scenes in the movie together and he kept me laughing until I had to act crying (which is harder than people realise). He was a true professional actor and was my ‘dad’ for 4 weeks in the mid-70’s. Very sad to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences.