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| years active = 1954–2016
| years active = 1954–2016
| known for = {{hlist|''[[Neighbours]]'' as [[Lou Carpenter]]|''[[Number 96 (TV series)|Number 96]]'' as Jack Sellars|''[[Bellbird (TV series)|Bellbird]]'' as Tom Grey}}
| known for = {{hlist|''[[Neighbours]]'' as [[Lou Carpenter]]|''[[Number 96 (TV series)|Number 96]]'' as Jack Sellars|''[[Bellbird (TV series)|Bellbird]]'' as Tom Grey}}
| spouse = [[Lynn Rainbow]] (1973-?)<br>Jan Oliver (1985-)
| spouse = [[Lynn Rainbow]] (1973–?)<br>Jan Oliver (1985–present)
| domesticpartner =
| domesticpartner =
| parents =
| parents =
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'''Tom Oliver''' (born 12 June 1938)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mark |date=27 February 2007 |title=The Inane Babble of a Backpacker: Mission Accomplished!!! |url=http://theinanebabbleofabackpacker.blogspot.com/2007/02/mission-accomplished.html |access-date=2 July 2018 |website=The Inane Babble of a Backpacker}}</ref> is a British naturalised Australian retired actor.
'''Tom Oliver''' (born 12 June 1938)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mark |date=27 February 2007 |title=The Inane Babble of a Backpacker: Mission Accomplished!!! |url=http://theinanebabbleofabackpacker.blogspot.com/2007/02/mission-accomplished.html |access-date=2 July 2018 |website=The Inane Babble of a Backpacker}}</ref> is a British naturalised Australian retired actor.


Oliver is best known locally and internationally for his long-running role in TV soap opera "[[Neighbours]]" as [[Lou Carpenter]], a role he played for 25 years becoming one of the longest serving cast members. Lou was known for his constant sparring with [[Harold Bishop]] (played by [[Ian Smith]]) and romance with [[Madge Bishop|Madge]] as well as his trademark dirty laugh that the actor noted was inspired by [[Sid James]].
Oliver is best known locally and internationally for his long-running role in TV soap opera ''[[Neighbours]]'' as [[Lou Carpenter]], a role he played for 25 years becoming one of the longest serving cast members. Lou was known for his constant sparring with [[Harold Bishop]] (played by [[Ian Smith]]) and romance with [[Madge Bishop|Madge]] as well as his trademark dirty laugh that the actor noted was inspired by [[Sid James]].


Olivier is best known for his roles in Australia, where he was a staple of the small screen from the early 1960s, until retiring in 2016. He is best known for his TV soap opera roles, after appearing in the numerous [[Crawford Productions]] police precedural'S, he took the longterm role in rural series ''[[Bellbird (TV series)|Bellbird]]'' on the ABC. before starring in ''Number 96'' as Jack Sellers.<ref>Giles, Nigel. ''Number 96'': Australia Most infamous Address</ref>
Olivier is best known for his roles in Australia, where he was a staple of the small screen from the early 1960s, until retiring in 2016. He is best known for his TV soap opera roles, after appearing in the numerous [[Crawford Productions]] police precedural'S, he took the longterm role in rural series ''[[Bellbird (TV series)|Bellbird]]'' on the ABC. before starring in ''Number 96'' as Jack Sellers.<ref>Giles, Nigel. ''Number 96'': Australia Most infamous Address</ref>


Short term soap roles included ''[[Prisoner (TV series)|Prisoner]]'', ''[[Sons and Daughters (Australian TV series)|Sons and Daughters]]'' and ''[[A Country Practice]]''.
Short term soap roles included ''[[Prisoner (TV series)|Prisoner]]'', ''[[Sons and Daughters (Australian TV series)|Sons and Daughters]]'' and ''[[A Country Practice]]''.
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==Biography==
==Biography==
===Early life and military===
===Early life and military===

Oliver was born in [[Chandler's Ford]], [[Hampshire]], England and started appearing in amateur theatricals as an adolescent in Britain before pursuing a career as a [[jockey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://perfectblend.net/features/interview-oliver.htm |title=Neighbours: The Perfect Blend &#124; Interview: Tom Oliver |publisher=The Perfect Blend |date=21 March 2009 |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref> However, he failed to gain an apprenticeship owing to his size.
Oliver was born in [[Chandler's Ford]], [[Hampshire]], England and started appearing in amateur theatricals as an adolescent in Britain before pursuing a career as a [[jockey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://perfectblend.net/features/interview-oliver.htm |title=Neighbours: The Perfect Blend &#124; Interview: Tom Oliver |publisher=The Perfect Blend |date=21 March 2009 |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref> However, he failed to gain an apprenticeship owing to his size.


He joined the [[Merchant Navy (United Kingdom)|Merchant Navy]] at 16 and travelled the world, eventually settling in [[Sydney]] in 1956. Whilst in the British Forces, he worked on the Pacific Nuclear Testing Base, [[Christmas Island]] and so is a member of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/neighbours/whoswho/characterbiogs/index.shtml?content/_lou/page3|title=BBC – Neighbours – Who's who Page 3|date=15 April 2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050415140025/http://www.bbc.co.uk/neighbours/whoswho/characterbiogs/index.shtml?content/_lou/page3|archive-date=15 April 2005|access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref>
He joined the [[Merchant Navy (United Kingdom)|Merchant Navy]] at 16 and travelled the world, eventually settling in [[Sydney]] in 1956. Whilst in the British Forces, he worked on the Pacific Nuclear Testing Base, [[Christmas Island]] and so is a member of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/neighbours/whoswho/characterbiogs/index.shtml?content/_lou/page3|title=BBC – Neighbours – Who's who Page 3|date=15 April 2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050415140025/http://www.bbc.co.uk/neighbours/whoswho/characterbiogs/index.shtml?content/_lou/page3|archive-date=15 April 2005|access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
===Early career===
===Early career===

While in Australia, Oliver found work as a [[Stockman (Australia)|stockman]], spending three years in this job, working his way around the country. He subsequently returned to the UK before beginning an overland trek across Asia to return to Australia. However, the journey was halted by illness and Oliver returned to Britain where he contacted [[Albert Finney]] who was then planning to produce the film ''[[Ned Kelly (1970 film)|Ned Kelly]]'' in Australia in 1963. Finney gave him a letter of introduction to an agency in Sydney and Oliver emigrated in 1963, later becoming an Australian citizen. He frequently visits Fareham, Hampshire to see his old friends.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/neighbours/whoswho/characterbiogs/index.shtml?/neighbours/whoswho/characterbiogs/content/_lou/page5|title=BBC – Neighbours – Who's who Page 5|date=21 March 2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050321100647/http://www.bbc.co.uk/neighbours/whoswho/characterbiogs/index.shtml?/neighbours/whoswho/characterbiogs/content/_lou/page5|archive-date=21 March 2005|access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref>
While in Australia, Oliver found work as a [[Stockman (Australia)|stockman]], spending three years in this job, working his way around the country. He subsequently returned to the UK before beginning an overland trek across Asia to return to Australia. However, the journey was halted by illness and Oliver returned to Britain where he contacted [[Albert Finney]] who was then planning to produce the film ''[[Ned Kelly (1970 film)|Ned Kelly]]'' in Australia in 1963. Finney gave him a letter of introduction to an agency in Sydney and Oliver emigrated in 1963, later becoming an Australian citizen. He frequently visits Fareham, Hampshire to see his old friends.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/neighbours/whoswho/characterbiogs/index.shtml?/neighbours/whoswho/characterbiogs/content/_lou/page5|title=BBC – Neighbours – Who's who Page 5|date=21 March 2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050321100647/http://www.bbc.co.uk/neighbours/whoswho/characterbiogs/index.shtml?/neighbours/whoswho/characterbiogs/content/_lou/page5|archive-date=21 March 2005|access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref>
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Mark Hashfield and Abigail and Tom Oliver in a scene from Number 96 .jpg|284px|thumb|right|150px|Jack Sellars (Tom Oliver) confronts "Knicker Snipper" Alan Cotterell (Mark Hashfield), as [[Bev Houghton|Bev]] ([[Abigail (actress)|Abigail]]) looks on in ''[[Number 96 (TV series)|Number 96]]''.]] -->
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Mark Hashfield and Abigail and Tom Oliver in a scene from Number 96 .jpg|284px|thumb|right|150px|Jack Sellars (Tom Oliver) confronts "Knicker Snipper" Alan Cotterell (Mark Hashfield), as [[Bev Houghton|Bev]] ([[Abigail (actress)|Abigail]]) looks on in ''[[Number 96 (TV series)|Number 96]]''.]] -->


Oliver became a busy theatre and television actor in Australia. He had many guest starring roles on Australian drama series, appearing frequently in the top-rated [[Crawford Productions]] police dramas ''[[Homicide (Australian TV series)|Homicide]]'', ''[[Division 4]]'', ''[[Matlock Police]]'', and in Crawford's adventure series ''[[Hunter (1967 TV series)|Hunter]]'' (1967).
Oliver became a busy theatre and television actor in Australia. He had many guest starring roles on Australian drama series, appearing frequently in the top-rated [[Crawford Productions]] police dramas ''[[Homicide (Australian TV series)|Homicide]]'', ''[[Division 4]]'', ''[[Matlock Police]]'', and in Crawford's adventure series ''[[Hunter (1967 TV series)|Hunter]]'' (1967). He played Clarry in ''[[The Shifting Heart]]''.<ref name="shifting">{{cite magazine|magazine=Filmink|first=Stephen|last=Vagg|access-date=9 August 2024|date=7 June 2021|title=Forgotten Australian TV Plays: The Shifting Heart|url=https://www.filmink.com.au/forgotten-australian-tv-plays-the-shifting-heart/}}</ref>


Oliver was then cast in serial ''[[Bellbird (TV series)|Bellbird]]'', playing the role of Tom Grey from 1969 to 1971, and appeared in the 1971 film ''[[Nickel Queen]]'', directed by [[John McCallum (actor)|John McCallum]]. After this he returned to television guest roles for Crawfords, and other companies.<ref name="Atterton+Margot+1984+p170">Atterton, Margot. (Ed.) ''The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Australian Showbiz'', Sunshine Books, 1984. {{ISBN|0-86777-057-0}} p 170</ref> He also appeared in several British TV series at the beginning of the 70's, such as ''Paul Temple'', ''Thirty Minute Theatre'', and also played two roles in the [[Gerry Anderson]] series ''[[UFO (British TV series)|UFO]]'' – a doctor in the episode entitled "Confetti Check A-OK" as well as a SHADO technician in the episode entitled "The Sound of Silence".
Oliver was then cast in serial ''[[Bellbird (TV series)|Bellbird]]'', playing the role of Tom Grey from 1969 to 1971, and appeared in the 1971 film ''[[Nickel Queen]]'', directed by [[John McCallum (actor)|John McCallum]]. After this he returned to television guest roles for Crawfords, and other companies.<ref name="Atterton+Margot+1984+p170">Atterton, Margot. (Ed.) ''The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Australian Showbiz'', Sunshine Books, 1984. {{ISBN|0-86777-057-0}} p 170</ref> He also appeared in several British TV series at the beginning of the 70's, such as ''Paul Temple'', ''Thirty Minute Theatre'', and also played two roles in the [[Gerry Anderson]] series ''[[UFO (British TV series)|UFO]]'' – a doctor in the episode entitled "Confetti Check A-OK" as well as a SHADO technician in the episode entitled "The Sound of Silence".
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===Film, television and stage===
===Film, television and stage===

Oliver's film roles included ''[[ABBA: The Movie]]'' (1977). His primary role in the film is as [[ABBA]]'s gruff bodyguard; however, he additionally appears in the film as a barman and as a chatty moustached taxi driver shown mainly from behind. Through the late 1970s and the 1980s, Oliver appeared in guest and regular roles in many Australian drama series and serials, including ''[[Prisoner (TV series)|Prisoner]]'', ''[[Holiday Island]]'', ''[[Cop Shop]]'' and ''[[Sons and Daughters (Australian TV series)|Sons and Daughters]]''. He also appeared in the acclaimed miniseries ''[[The Dismissal (miniseries)|The Dismissal]]'' portraying [[Reg Withers]]. Oliver has been nominated for the Australian Film and Television Awards for [[AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role|Best Supporting Actor]] three times. Oliver also acted on the stage, appearing in such plays as ''The Knack'', ''Cactus Flower'', ''[[How the Other Half Loves]]'' and ''[[The Club (play)|The Club]]''.<ref name="Atterton+Margot+1984+p170"/>
Oliver's film roles included ''[[ABBA: The Movie]]'' (1977). His primary role in the film is as [[ABBA]]'s gruff bodyguard; however, he additionally appears in the film as a barman and as a chatty moustached taxi driver shown mainly from behind. Through the late 1970s and the 1980s, Oliver appeared in guest and regular roles in many Australian drama series and serials, including ''[[Prisoner (TV series)|Prisoner]]'', ''[[Holiday Island]]'', ''[[Cop Shop]]'' and ''[[Sons and Daughters (Australian TV series)|Sons and Daughters]]''. He also appeared in the acclaimed miniseries ''[[The Dismissal (miniseries)|The Dismissal]]'' portraying [[Reg Withers]]. Oliver has been nominated for the Australian Film and Television Awards for [[AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role|Best Supporting Actor]] three times. Oliver also acted on the stage, appearing in such plays as ''The Knack'', ''Cactus Flower'', ''[[How the Other Half Loves]]'' and ''[[The Club (play)|The Club]]''.<ref name="Atterton+Margot+1984+p170"/>


==''Neighbours''==
==''Neighbours''==
⚫
Today Oliver is best known for his long-running role of [[Lou Carpenter]] in ''Neighbours''. He first appeared for a handful of episodes as lovable rogue used-car salesman Lou, [[Madge Bishop]]'s former flame, in 1988. In early 1992 the character was reintroduced to the series and was a key character until 2016. Oliver was written out of the show in 1996 but producers relented after numerous petitions from fans and he was quickly reintroduced. By 2009, he was the show's longest serving character, both in continuous and overall duration. From the 2009 season, Oliver reduced his role on ''Neighbours'' to a part-time regular member of the cast. Oliver appeared in a documentary special celebrating the show's 30th anniversary titled ''[[Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite]]'', which aired in Australia and the UK in March 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2015/02/airdate-neighbours-30th-the-stars-reunite.html|title=Airdate: Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite|last=Knox|first=David|date=28 February 2015|publisher=[[TV Tonight]]|access-date=3 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s14/neighbours/news/a633173/neighbours-30th-anniversary-schedule-confirmed-by-channel-5.html|title=Neighbours 30th anniversary schedule confirmed by Channel 5|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=4 March 2015|access-date=5 March 2015}}</ref> In 2015, it was announced that Oliver had cut back further on his role as Lou and would only appear from time to time as a guest. In October 2016 it was announced that Oliver had left the role after 24 years and his last appearance aired in December 2016.<ref name="departure">{{Cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/10/tom-oliver-departing-neighbours.html|title=Tom Oliver departing Neighbours|last=Knox|first=David|publisher=TV Tonight|date=25 October 2016 }}</ref>

⚫
Today Oliver is best known for his long-running role of [[Lou Carpenter]] in ''Neighbours''. He first appeared for a handful of episodes as lovable rogue used-car salesman Lou, [[Madge Bishop]]'s former flame, in 1988. In early 1992 the character was reintroduced to the series and was a key character until 2016. Oliver was written out of the show in 1996 but producers relented after numerous petitions from fans and he was quickly reintroduced. By 2009, he was the show's longest serving character, both in continuous and overall duration. From the 2009 season, Oliver reduced his role on ''Neighbours'' to a part-time regular member of the cast. Oliver appeared in a documentary special celebrating the show's 30th anniversary titled ''[[Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite]]'', which aired in Australia and the UK in March 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2015/02/airdate-neighbours-30th-the-stars-reunite.html|title=Airdate: Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite|last=Knox|first=David|date=28 February 2015|publisher=[[TV Tonight]]|access-date=3 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s14/neighbours/news/a633173/neighbours-30th-anniversary-schedule-confirmed-by-channel-5.html|title=Neighbours 30th anniversary schedule confirmed by Channel 5|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=4 March 2015|access-date=5 March 2015}}</ref> In 2015, it was announced that Oliver had cut back further on his role as Lou and would only appear from time to time as a guest. In October 2016 it was announced that Oliver had left the role after 24 years and his last appearance aired in December 2016.<ref name="departure">{{Cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/10/tom-oliver-departing-neighbours.html|title=Tom Oliver departing Neighbours|last=Knox|first=David|publisher=TV Tonight|date=25 October 2016 }}</ref>


Lou did not feature in the [[Neighbours: The Finale|series finale]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Rodger |first=James |date=2022-07-30 |title=Every Neighbours star who was 'snubbed' in finale as fans left devastated |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/every-neighbours-star-who-snubbed-24628449 |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=BirminghamLive |language=en}}</ref> but there was still a reference to his character in the form of a lawyers' office called "T Oliver".<ref>{{cite news |last=Williams |first=Kathryn |date=2022-07-30 |title=Fans love Neighbours final's sweet nod to Lou Carpenter absence |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/tv/fans-love-neighbours-finals-sweet-24629344 |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=WalesOnline |language=en}}</ref> Executive producer [[Jason Herbison]] later revealed that he had personally called Oliver to inquire about returning for the final episode, but Oliver turned it down as he was "at a different point in his life now".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a40782803/neighbours-jason-herbison-finale-mysteries/|title=Neighbours boss addresses finale mysteries|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|date=2 August 2022|work=Digital Spy}}</ref>
Lou did not feature in the [[Neighbours: The Finale|series finale]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Rodger |first=James |date=2022-07-30 |title=Every Neighbours star who was 'snubbed' in finale as fans left devastated |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/every-neighbours-star-who-snubbed-24628449 |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=BirminghamLive |language=en}}</ref> but there was still a reference to his character in the form of a lawyers' office called "T Oliver".<ref>{{cite news |last=Williams |first=Kathryn |date=2022-07-30 |title=Fans love Neighbours final's sweet nod to Lou Carpenter absence |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/tv/fans-love-neighbours-finals-sweet-24629344 |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=WalesOnline |language=en}}</ref> Executive producer [[Jason Herbison]] later revealed that he had personally called Oliver to inquire about returning for the final episode, but Oliver turned it down as he was "at a different point in his life now".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a40782803/neighbours-jason-herbison-finale-mysteries/|title=Neighbours boss addresses finale mysteries|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|date=2 August 2022|work=Digital Spy}}</ref>


==Filmography==
==Filmography==

===Film===
===Film===
{|class="wikitable"
{|class="wikitable"
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|1974|| ''[[Number 96 (film)|Number 96]]'' || Jack Sellers || Film
|1974|| ''[[Number 96 (film)|Number 96]]'' || Jack Sellers || Film
|-
|-
|1975|| ''That Coffee Lady From Peking'' || Coffee Shop Man ||
|1975|| ''That Coffee Lady From Peking'' || Coffee Shop Man ||
|-
|-
|1977|| ''Going Home'' || || TV film
|1977|| ''Going Home'' || || TV film
Line 139: Line 134:
|1970|| ''[[Thirty-Minute Theatre]]'' || David || TV series
|1970|| ''[[Thirty-Minute Theatre]]'' || David || TV series
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"| 1971|| rowspan="2"| ''[[UFO (British TV series)|UFO]]'' || Doctor || TV series, Episode: "Confetti Check, A-OK"
|rowspan="2"| 1971|| rowspan="2"| ''[[UFO (British TV series)|UFO]]'' || Doctor || TV series, Episode: "Confetti Check, A-OK"
|-
|-
| 1st technician || TV series, Episode: "The Sound of Silence"
| 1st technician || TV series, Episode: "The Sound of Silence"
Line 145: Line 140:
|1971|| ''[[The Group (Australian TV series)|The Group]]''|| || TV series
|1971|| ''[[The Group (Australian TV series)|The Group]]''|| || TV series
|-
|-
|1971|| ''[[Dynasty (Australian TV series)|Dynasty]]'' || Tom Fenwick || TV series
|1971|| ''[[Dynasty (Australian TV series)|Dynasty]]'' || Tom Fenwick || TV series
|-
|-
|1970–72|| ''[[Homicide (Australian TV series)|Homicide]]'' || Jason Williams, Jack Smith, Jeff Roberts || TV series
|1970–72|| ''[[Homicide (Australian TV series)|Homicide]]'' || Jason Williams, Jack Smith, Jeff Roberts || TV series
Line 175: Line 170:
|1976–80|| ''King's Man'' || Detective Sgt. Peter Weston ||
|1976–80|| ''King's Man'' || Detective Sgt. Peter Weston ||
|-
|-
|1980–81|| ''[[Prisoner (TV series)|Prisoner]]'' (aka ''Prisoner: Cell Block H'') || Ken Pearce || TV series
|1980–81|| ''[[Prisoner (TV series)|Prisoner]]'' (aka ''Prisoner: Cell Block H'') || Ken Pearce || TV series
|-
|-
|1982|| ''[[Sons and Daughters (Australian TV series)|Sons and Daughters]]'' || Andrew Brooks || TV series
|1982|| ''[[Sons and Daughters (Australian TV series)|Sons and Daughters]]'' || Andrew Brooks || TV series
Line 370: Line 365:
| ''Curtains''
| ''Curtains''
| 1989
| 1989
| [[Wayne Harrison]]
| [[Wayne Harrison (director)|Wayne Harrison]]
|
|
|
|
Line 394: Line 389:
== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{IMDb name|id=0647016|name=Tom Oliver}}
* {{IMDb name|id=0647016|name=Tom Oliver}}
* [http://www.angelfire.com/wa3/datigers57/lou.html Tom Oliver as Lou Carpenter]
* [https://www.angelfire.com/wa3/datigers57/lou.html Tom Oliver as Lou Carpenter]


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
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[[Category:21st-century Australian male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century Australian male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century British male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century British male actors]]
[[Category:People with acquired Australian citizenship]]
[[Category:Naturalised citizens of Australia]]

Revision as of 01:25, 16 August 2024

For other people with similar names, see Thomas Oliver (disambiguation).

Tom Oliver
Born (1938-06-12) 12 June 1938 (age 86)
Chandler's Ford, Hampshire, England
OccupationActor
Years active1954–2016
Known for
Spouse(s)Lynn Rainbow (1973–?)
Jan Oliver (1985–present)

Tom Oliver (born 12 June 1938)[1] is a British naturalised Australian retired actor.

Oliver is best known locally and internationally for his long-running role in TV soap opera Neighbours as Lou Carpenter, a role he played for 25 years becoming one of the longest serving cast members. Lou was known for his constant sparring with Harold Bishop (played by Ian Smith) and romance with Madge as well as his trademark dirty laugh that the actor noted was inspired by Sid James.

Olivier is best known for his roles in Australia, where he was a staple of the small screen from the early 1960s, until retiring in 2016. He is best known for his TV soap opera roles, after appearing in the numerous Crawford Productions police precedural'S, he took the longterm role in rural series Bellbird on the ABC. before starring in Number 96 as Jack Sellers.[2]

Short term soap roles included Prisoner, Sons and Daughters and A Country Practice.

Biography

Early life and military

Oliver was born in Chandler's Ford, Hampshire, England and started appearing in amateur theatricals as an adolescent in Britain before pursuing a career as a jockey.[3] However, he failed to gain an apprenticeship owing to his size.

He joined the Merchant Navy at 16 and travelled the world, eventually settling in Sydney in 1956. Whilst in the British Forces, he worked on the Pacific Nuclear Testing Base, Christmas Island and so is a member of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association.[4]

Career

Early career

While in Australia, Oliver found work as a stockman, spending three years in this job, working his way around the country. He subsequently returned to the UK before beginning an overland trek across Asia to return to Australia. However, the journey was halted by illness and Oliver returned to Britain where he contacted Albert Finney who was then planning to produce the film Ned Kelly in Australia in 1963. Finney gave him a letter of introduction to an agency in Sydney and Oliver emigrated in 1963, later becoming an Australian citizen. He frequently visits Fareham, Hampshire to see his old friends.[5]

Oliver became a busy theatre and television actor in Australia. He had many guest starring roles on Australian drama series, appearing frequently in the top-rated Crawford Productions police dramas Homicide, Division 4, Matlock Police, and in Crawford's adventure series Hunter (1967). He played Clarry in The Shifting Heart.[6]

Oliver was then cast in serial Bellbird, playing the role of Tom Grey from 1969 to 1971, and appeared in the 1971 film Nickel Queen, directed by John McCallum. After this he returned to television guest roles for Crawfords, and other companies.[7] He also appeared in several British TV series at the beginning of the 70's, such as Paul Temple, Thirty Minute Theatre, and also played two roles in the Gerry Anderson series UFO – a doctor in the episode entitled "Confetti Check A-OK" as well as a SHADO technician in the episode entitled "The Sound of Silence".

Oliver also worked for a time as a presenter on Play School[8] in 1967.

Number 96

In 1972 he joined the cast of fledgling soap opera Number 96 playing the role of Janie Somers' new beau Jack Sellars. Back-slapping rough diamond Jack, nicknamed "Jolly Jack Sellars" was intended as a guest character to appear for a run of just three weeks, but the makers of the show were impressed with his performance and the character was made into an ongoing lead regular in the serial.

Oliver became one of the Number 96's most popular cast members. During his run in the show he married fellow Number 96 actress Lynn Rainbow, who played Sonia Vansard and opened a wine bar in Kensington, Sydney cunningly named Jack's Cellar. In late 1973, along with much of the show's regular cast including Rainbow, he reprised his television role in a feature film spinoff of the serial, also called Number 96. Oliver stayed in the role in the series for more than two years, finally electing to leave in mid-1974. He quickly returned to guest starring roles on television and film roles of varying sizes. He briefly returned to Number 96 in the role of Jack Sellars in September 1975. He has been married to his current wife Jan Oliver since 1985. Whilst acting on Neighbours, he owned a Maltese Shih Tzu called Lou.[5] He is a keen gardener and mountain fisher.[9]

Film, television and stage

Oliver's film roles included ABBA: The Movie (1977). His primary role in the film is as ABBA's gruff bodyguard; however, he additionally appears in the film as a barman and as a chatty moustached taxi driver shown mainly from behind. Through the late 1970s and the 1980s, Oliver appeared in guest and regular roles in many Australian drama series and serials, including Prisoner, Holiday Island, Cop Shop and Sons and Daughters. He also appeared in the acclaimed miniseries The Dismissal portraying Reg Withers. Oliver has been nominated for the Australian Film and Television Awards for Best Supporting Actor three times. Oliver also acted on the stage, appearing in such plays as The Knack, Cactus Flower, How the Other Half Loves and The Club.[7]

Neighbours

Today Oliver is best known for his long-running role of Lou Carpenter in Neighbours. He first appeared for a handful of episodes as lovable rogue used-car salesman Lou, Madge Bishop's former flame, in 1988. In early 1992 the character was reintroduced to the series and was a key character until 2016. Oliver was written out of the show in 1996 but producers relented after numerous petitions from fans and he was quickly reintroduced. By 2009, he was the show's longest serving character, both in continuous and overall duration. From the 2009 season, Oliver reduced his role on Neighbours to a part-time regular member of the cast. Oliver appeared in a documentary special celebrating the show's 30th anniversary titled Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite, which aired in Australia and the UK in March 2015.[10][11] In 2015, it was announced that Oliver had cut back further on his role as Lou and would only appear from time to time as a guest. In October 2016 it was announced that Oliver had left the role after 24 years and his last appearance aired in December 2016.[12]

Lou did not feature in the series finale,[13] but there was still a reference to his character in the form of a lawyers' office called "T Oliver".[14] Executive producer Jason Herbison later revealed that he had personally called Oliver to inquire about returning for the final episode, but Oliver turned it down as he was "at a different point in his life now".[15]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1963 Summer Holiday Unknown role Feature film
1966 They're a Weird Mob Barbecue chef's friend Feature film
1966 Point of Danger TV film
1969 Color Me Dead Dr. MacDonald Feature film
1970 Adam's Woman Stacey Film
1970 Paul Temple Eddy Bates TV film
1971 Nickel Queen Roy Feature film
1974 Number 96 Jack Sellers Film
1975 That Coffee Lady From Peking Coffee Shop Man
1977 Going Home TV film
1977 ABBA: The Movie Bodyguard, Bartender, Taxi driver Feature film
1977 Say You Want Me TV film
1978 Because He's My Friend Ian TV film
1983 High Country Frank Stacey TV film
2011 A Girl Like You Kid in Park Short film

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1964 Consider Your Verdict TV series
1965 Adventure Unlimited TV series
1967 You Can't See 'Round Corners TV series
1967 Contrabandits Nicholls TV series
1967 Love and War TV series
1968 Hunter Hans Felburg TV series
1969 Riptide Dave Todd, Bruno, Mike Hallett TV series
1969 Good Morning Mr Doubleday TV series, Episode: "A Friend in Need"
1969–71 Bellbird Tom Grey TV series
1969–70 Skippy the Bush Kangaroo Craig, Tex n Ranger TV series
1970 Thirty-Minute Theatre David TV series
1971 UFO Doctor TV series, Episode: "Confetti Check, A-OK"
1st technician TV series, Episode: "The Sound of Silence"
1971 The Group TV series
1971 Dynasty Tom Fenwick TV series
1970–72 Homicide Jason Williams, Jack Smith, Jeff Roberts TV series
1973 Spyforce Brian Dorsey TV series
1971–75 Matlock Police Charlie, Alexis Katsavakis, Neil O'Brian, Roy Martin TV series
1970–75 Division 4 Arnie Cooper, Jimmy Harrison, George Morris, Robert Hill, Porter TV series
1972–75 Number 96 Jack Sellars TV series
1975 Ben Hall Long Tom Coffin
1976 Silent Number Stanton TV series
1977 The Outsiders Artie Fraser TV series
1977 Glenview High Mick TV series
1977 The Dick Emery Show in Australia Various characters TV series
1978 The Truckies TV series
1978 Cop Shop Brian Matthews, Peter Mitchell TV series
1979 Skyways Scott Honeyman TV series
1976–80 King's Man Detective Sgt. Peter Weston
1980–81 Prisoner (aka Prisoner: Cell Block H) Ken Pearce TV series
1982 Sons and Daughters Andrew Brooks TV series
1981–82 Holiday Island Wally Simmons TV series
1983 The Dismissal Reg Withers TV miniseries
1983 Patrol Boat Inspector Forest TV series
1984 The Explorers Sir Thomas Mitchell TV documentary
1980–84 Kingswood Country Clive Lomas – Gerard Homes TV series
1984 Special Squad Tobin TV series
1986 Call Me Mister Bruce TV series
1983–87 A Country Practice Ray Gardner, Ross Irving, Stuart Moore TV series
1988 The Beachcombers Reporter TV series
1988 The Dirtwater Dynasty Our Dad TV miniseries
1989 Hey Dad..! Waiter TV series
1992 Mother and Son Sergeant TV series
1988, 1992–2016 Neighbours Lou Carpenter TV series, 2,330 episodes

Appearances (as himself)

Year Title Role Type
Play School Host TV series
1967 Is Anybody Doing Anything About It? Himself
1971 Tempo: In the Seventies Commentator
1976 The Celebrity Game TV series
1979 The Great Train Robbery Performer
1995 Neighbours: A 10th Anniversary Himself / Lou Carpenter TV special (documentary)
1996 Burke's Backyard Celebrity Gardener TV series
1996 National Television Awards Himseif Awards show
2000 Neighbours Revealed Himself TV special (documentary)
2008 Neighbours on Five
2012 This Morning Himself
2012 The Wright Stuff Guest Panelist TV series
2013 Celebrity Juice Himself TV series
2015 Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite Himself / Lou Carpenter TV special (documentary)

Producer

Year Title Role Type
1987 The Right Hand Man Producer

Theatre

Oliver theatre productions appeared in Australia (source[16]

Title Year Playwright Venue Notes
The Knack 1965 Ann Jellicoe Phillip Theatre An advertisement in the programme for The Palace Theatre's The Diplomatic Baggage (1965) contains quotes from reviews
The Birthday Party 1965 Harold Pinter Independent Theatre
The Business of Good Governance 1965 John Arden Assembly Hall, Sydney, presented by the Q Theatre Company
Where Did Vortex Go? 1965 Colin Free 2 productions
Cactus Flower 1966 Abe Burrows Theatre - spoken word, comedy
The Homecoming 1967 Harold Pinter tour
The Shifting Heart (LIVE part of Wednesday Theatre) 1968 Richard Beynon ABC TV Studio - Melbourne LIVE BROADCAST
Three Months Gone 1971 Donald Howarth Russell Street Theatre,production by Melbourne Theatre Company
A Handful of Friends 1976 David Williamson Russell Street Theatre, Melbourne Comedy
Away Match 1977 Martin Worth Marian Street Theatre, Sydney Theatre spoken word comedy
The Club 1978 David Williamson The Playhouse Theatre, Perth
Fathers Day 1978 Oliver Hailey Mayfair Theatre, Sydney
Family Circles 1980 Willy Russell
Night and Day 1982 Tom Stoppard various
The Price 1982 Arthur Miller The Ensemble Theatre
Season's Greeting's 1984 Alan Ayckbourne Marian Street Theatre,
Otherwise Engaged 1986 Kerry McGuire Marian Street
Breaking the Code 1988 Wayne Harrison Northside Theatre
Curtains 1989 Wayne Harrison
How The Other Half Lives 1989/ Alan Ayckbourn
Noises Off 1991 Michael Frayn Farce


References

  1. ^ Mark (27 February 2007). "The Inane Babble of a Backpacker: Mission Accomplished!!!". The Inane Babble of a Backpacker. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  2. ^ Giles, Nigel. Number 96: Australia Most infamous Address
  3. ^ "Neighbours: The Perfect Blend | Interview: Tom Oliver". The Perfect Blend. 21 March 2009. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
  4. ^ "BBC – Neighbours – Who's who Page 3". 15 April 2005. Archived from the original on 15 April 2005. Retrieved 8 December 2019.
  5. ^ a b "BBC – Neighbours – Who's who Page 5". 21 March 2005. Archived from the original on 21 March 2005. Retrieved 8 December 2019.
  6. ^ Vagg, Stephen (7 June 2021). "Forgotten Australian TV Plays: The Shifting Heart". Filmink. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
  7. ^ a b Atterton, Margot. (Ed.) The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Australian Showbiz, Sunshine Books, 1984. ISBN 0-86777-057-0 p 170
  8. ^ "Neighbours: The Perfect Blend | Interview: Tom Oliver". perfectblend.net. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  9. ^ "BBC – Neighbours – Who's who Page 4". 21 March 2005. Archived from the original on 21 March 2005. Retrieved 8 December 2019.
  10. ^ Knox, David (28 February 2015). "Airdate: Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  11. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (4 March 2015). "Neighbours 30th anniversary schedule confirmed by Channel 5". Digital Spy. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  12. ^ Knox, David (25 October 2016). "Tom Oliver departing Neighbours". TV Tonight.
  13. ^ Rodger, James (30 July 2022). "Every Neighbours star who was 'snubbed' in finale as fans left devastated". BirminghamLive. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  14. ^ Williams, Kathryn (30 July 2022). "Fans love Neighbours final's sweet nod to Lou Carpenter absence". WalesOnline. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  15. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (2 August 2022). "Neighbours boss addresses finale mysteries". Digital Spy.
  16. ^ [:http://ausstage.edu.au/pages/contributor/3389 "Tom Oliver"]. AusStage database. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
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