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.
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.
14 thoughts on “Obituary: Martin Vaughan”
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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..
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. I’ve often wondered what your dad has been up to since I was lucky to work with him as the police woman on Willing and Able. You see I spent a couple of hours talking to your beautiful dad one day and have never forgotten because we talked and laughed and things in common like have pet border collies. That happened because the props guy took the gun out of my holter after we’d finished shooting for the day and wacked me in the nose. I wasn’t aloud to drive home for fear I had concussion so I had to stay. That’s how I ended up talking to your dad. Not only was he was an excellent actor and a real funny but after talking to him it was clear how much he loved his family ❤️ I only just now found out on Google your beautiful dad passed away late last year 😔 I’m so sorry. I thought you might like to hear about my special time with your dad that I’ve never forgotten xxx
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.
Earlier this evening, I was watching “Phar Lap” for the umpteenth time and thinking how much I love the acting performance of Martin Vaughan. One thing lead to another and I found myself on this website. I am so saddened to see that Mr. Vaughan has recently passed. What a wonderful actor! What a fabulous screen presence! He will be missed!!! I send my condolences to his family! Fondly, Laura
Dear Tania. I’ve often wondered what your dad has been up to since I was lucky to work with him as the police woman on Willing and Able. You see I spent a couple of hours talking to your beautiful dad one day and have never forgotten because we talked and laughed and things in common like have pet border collies. That happened because the props guy took the gun out of my holter after we’d finished shooting for the day and wacked me in the nose. I wasn’t aloud to drive home for fear I had concussion so I had to stay. That’s how I ended up talking to your dad. Not only was he was an excellent actor and a real funny but after talking to him it was clear how much he loved his family ❤️ I only just now found out on Google your beautiful dad passed away late last year 😔 I’m so sorry. I thought you might like to hear about my special time with your dad that I’ve never forgotten xxx
Dear Tania, we have only just found out on your beautiful dad passed away late last year. I feel compelled to write a little history as Robert (Bob) and I have very fond memories of the time we knew Martin and your family in Elwood in the early 1960s. Our group included Aubrey Essery and Jill who was a close friend of Martins wife. Martin was working in the customs dept at that time during which he began his acting career. I later worked with him at the Melbourne Theatre company when I was a costumier. In 1964 we left Melbourne to work overseas and Bob gave his old Peugeot car to Mitch, although Mitch was not old enough then for a license. With fond memories XX Vera and Bob Radnell
Dear Tania and family,
I have just found this site after trying to make contact with Martin again for some time without success. We caught up with each other a number of times over the years. I met your father in Brisbane in 1950 at Busteed’s Dance studio. I had a crush on him though I was too young to be a serious girlfriend! I have the collection of photos taken at that time from Pix magazine. I first had a dance with him at The Trocadero, Sydney at New Year. We had many friends in common from those days. I also have a couple of photos at a barbecue in Brisbane. I’m getting old myself and it’s sad to lose the friends of one’s youth and others who knew him. I would love to talk to you. I won Frist Prize for a Brisbane story and I’ve actually written about your father – not published – in one of my short stories (given a different name). Please contact me by e-mail if you interested in having a chat.