Roy Harwood Billing OAM (born 1947) is a New Zealand television actor, now based on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. He was brought up in Ruawai, Northland, New Zealand. Billing spent almost three decades living and working in Australia. He became widely known for his role as organised-crime boss “Aussie Bob” Trimbole in the TV series Underbelly.
Roy Billing OAM | |
|---|---|
 Roy Billing in 2012. | |
| Born | Roy Harwood Billing 1947 (age 76–77) New Zealand |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, comedian |
| Spouse | Linda Tizard (¿? - present) |
| Children | Kelly Billing Simon Billing (1975 - October 26, 1995) deceased |
Career
editIn 1965 Billing formed a psychedelic rock band called The Ministry of Fog. After a short period at university doing a science degree, he dropped out and got a job at Inland Revenue. After three years he moved into advertising, joining Auckland agencies Jacka Brown and later, McCann Erickson. “For a long time, I was stuck in accounts when I really wanted to be in creative.” [1]
After hobby stints in amateur theatre and Theatre Corporate, founding director Raymond Hawthorne offered him a job with a state theatre program, Theatre in Education, working with high schools throughout the North Island. Billing left advertising to take up the less lucrative new role, at the age of 30. It was the beginning of his life as an actor.
"Looking back now, I don’t know how I managed it. Theatre in Education was actually quite a hard job. We travelled around the country going to schools and trying to engage students in the concepts of drama, and of course they didn’t want to know about it."[1]
Billing has starred in many television shows and had main roles on Bad Cop, Bad Cop, Dossa and Joe and Hell Has Harbour Views. Billing also had a recurring role on Blue Heelers as Senior Constable Ian Goss, on Always Greener as Eddie McGill, in Packed to the Rafters as Ron Barrett, and in Under the Mountain. In 2000 he featured in the film The Dish, a comedy about the Moon landings, portraying the Mayor of Parkes. He also appeared as part of the ensemble on the 2006 season of Thank God You're Here. He has had a guest role on All Saints.
From 2012 Billing has played Harry Strang in the Jack Irish television drama series and television movies adapted from the detective novels by Peter Temple.[2]
In 2009, Billing played Griffith drug lord Robert Trimbole in the high-rating drama series Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities, starring alongside Matthew Newton. He also starred in the film Charlie and Boots. Billing played the part of Chief Dufflepud in the 2010 film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader as well as a recurring character in the Nine Network police drama Cops L.A.C..
He started acting with Theatre Corporate, Auckland in the late 1970s. Early roles in New Zealand were in Sea Urchins a 1980-84 New Zealand TV series, the 1982 films The Scarecrow and Beyond Reasonable Doubt, the 1985 film Came a Hot Friday, and as Captain Gordon Vette in the 1988 miniseries Erebus: The Aftermath.
In 2013, he appeared in the New Zealand television comedy Agent Anna,[3] for which he agreed to be paid at New Zealand rates.
In 2020, Billing starred in the Australian comedy-drama film Never Too Late.[4]
Billing returned to New Zealand to live in late 2019.[1]
In 2023, Billing was announced for the ABC series Austin.[5]
Awards
edit
In 1999, Billing was nominated in the 'Best Actor in a Supporting Role' award at the AFI Awards for his role in Siam Sunset. In 2009, Billing won the 'Best Actor in a Television Drama' award at the AFI Awards, and was nominated for the 'Outstanding Actor' award at the 2010 Logies for his role in Underbelly.
Billing's career achievements were honoured in 2009 when he was inducted into the Australian Film Walk of Fame.[6]
On 26 January 2015, Billing was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for "service to the performing arts, particularly as an actor, and to the community".[7][8]
In 2015, Billing became the first person to be honoured with a star on Winton's Walk of Fame which was revealed during The Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival in Winton, Queensland.[9]
Charity work
editBilling is a national ambassador for the cancer charity Dry July and has supported the charity for over 4 years.[10]
Filmography
editFilm
edit| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | Kangaroo | ||
| 2024 | The Nut Farm | Mitch | |
| 2024 | Myall Creek: Day of Justice | Judge Barton | Post-production |
| 2023 | Love Is in the Air | Jeff Randall | Feature film |
| 2022 | Nude Tuesday | Aldo | Feature film |
| 2020 | Never Too Late | James Wendell | Feature film |
| 2018 | Beast No More | Gus | Feature film |
| The Confession | Dr. John Sounitis | Short film (unreleased) | |
| Shooter | Frank | Short film | |
| Occupation | Town Mayor | Feature film | |
| 2017 | Shot Clock | Crime Boss | Short film |
| 2016 | Roy | Roy / Searle | Short film |
| 2015 | The Gap | Don Ritchie | Short film |
| Manny Lewis | Lyle | Feature film | |
| Crumble | Father | Short film | |
| 2014 | Tits on a Bull | Rusty | Short film |
| A Lady & a Robot | Lord Julian Stanley | Short film | |
| 2013 | The Hatinator | Paul | Short film (unreleased) |
| Autism | Dr. Taylor | Short film | |
| Fairytruth | Pops | Short film | |
| The Streak | Uncle Nev | Short film | |
| Mystery Road | Robbo, Weapon Shop Owner | Feature film | |
| 2011 | Swerve | Good Samaritan | Feature film |
| A Heartbeat Away | George | Feature film (musical) | |
| 2010 | The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader | Chief Dufflepud | Feature film |
| 2009 | Benefit | Father | Short film |
| Boys on Film 1: Hard Love | Joe / Jana (segment: "Mirror Mirror") | ||
| Charlie & Boots | Roly | Feature film | |
| Boundless | Dad | Short film | |
| Dear Diary | Arthur | Short film | |
| 2008 | $9.99 | Marcus Portman / Policeman #1 (voice) | Stop motion animated adult feature film |
| Mirror Mirror | Joe / Jana | Short film | |
| 2007 | Boys Own Story | Uncle Charlie | Short film |
| Unfinished Sky | Royce | Feature film | |
| The Rose of Ba Ziz | The Great Whiz | Short film | |
| Spike Up | Steve Barker | Short film | |
| Razzle Dazzle | Arthur Rudd | Mockumentary feature film | |
| 2006 | The Bet | George | Feature film |
| Aquamarine | Grandpa Bob | Feature film | |
| 2004 | Thunderstruck | Tiny | Feature film |
| Strange Bedfellows | Fred Coulson | Feature film | |
| 2002 | Black and White | Detective Sergeant Turner | Feature film |
| Rabbit-Proof Fence | Police Inspector | Feature film | |
| 2000 | The Magic Pudding | Tom Bluegum (voice) | Animated feature film |
| The Dish | Mayor Robert 'Bob' McIntyre | Feature film | |
| 1999 | Erskineville Kings | Ticket Officer | Feature film |
| Passion | John Perring Jnr | Feature film | |
| Siam Sunset | Bill Leach | Feature film | |
| 1998 | A Little Bit of Soul | Judge | Feature film |
| 1997 | Thank God He Met Lizzie | Ron | Feature film |
| Doing Time for Patsy Cline | Dad | Feature film | |
| 1996 | Freestyle | DS Grieve | Short film |
| Children of the Revolution | Police Sergeant | Feature film | |
| 1995 | Swerve | Businessman | Short film |
| 1994 | The Roly Poly Man | Sidebottom | Feature film |
| Dallas Doll | Dave Harry | Feature film | |
| 1991 | Gotcha | Fish Shop Owner | Short film |
| Old Scores | Frank O'Riordan | TV film | |
| 1989 | Zilch! | Gary Hyde | Feature film |
| 1986 | Queen City Rocker | Stacy's Father | Feature film |
| 1985 | Came a Hot Friday | Darkie Benson | Feature film |
| 1984 | Other Halves | Harry Daniels | Feature film |
| 1983 | Strata | Keith | |
| Savage Islands | Auctioneer | Feature film | |
| 1982 | Klynham Summer (aka The Scarecrow) | Mr. Potroz | Feature film |
| Beyond Reasonable Doubt | Court Official | Feature film |
Television
edit| Year | Film | Role | Other notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Mortimer's Patch | Ron Bailey | TV series, 1 episode |
| Sea Urchins | Sharky | TV movie | |
| 1981 | Under the Mountain | Wilberforce Family member (disguised slug monster) | TV series, 5 episodes |
| 1982 | Loose Enz | Thurston | TV series, 1 episode |
| 1983 | An Age Apart | Passenger | TV series, 1 episode |
| 1984 | Inside Straight | George McLean | TV series, 9 episodes |
| Out of Time | John Wilkinson | TV movie | |
| Children of the Dog Star | Donald Kierney | TV miniseries, 6 episodes | |
| 1984–85 | Gliding On | Perce | TV series, 1 episode |
| 1985 | The Adventures of Terry Teo | Shaddock | TV series, 4 episodes |
| 1988 | Erebus: The Aftermath | Captain Gordon Vette | TV miniseries, 4 episodes |
| 1990 | Raider of the South Seas | Ted Grundy | TV movie |
| 1991 | Hampton Court | Mr. Colloudos | TV series, 13 episodes |
| Police Rescue | Myer | TV series, 1 episode | |
| 1992 | A Country Practice | James Deeko | TV series, 1 episode |
| G.P. | Bob Otranto | TV series, 1 episode | |
| Hey Dad..! | Dr. MacLean | TV series, 1 episode | |
| 1993 | Time Trax | Mr. Miller | TV series, 1 episode |
| Minder | DS Davis | TV series, 1 episode | |
| 1994 | Coverstory | Detective Inspector Clark | TV series, 1 episode |
| Over the Hill | Short Bob | TV series, 1 episode | |
| 1995 | Mission Top Secret | Superintendent Burke / Burke | TV series, 3 episodes |
| 1996 | Home and Away | John Clinton | TV series, 3 episodes |
| 1997 | Big Sky | Bob the Bookie / Barman | TV series, 1 episode |
| Water Rats | Stan | TV series, 1 episode | |
| 1998 | Wildside | Kennedy | TV series, 2 episodes |
| Murder Call | Harry Polding | TV series, Seaaon 2, episode 6: Cold Comfort | |
| 1998–2008 | All Saints | Barry Croft (1998) / Murray Blackwood (2004) / Darryl Hornby (2008) | TV series, 5 episodes |
| 1999 | Dog's Head Bay | Franco Poreini | TV series, 3 episodes |
| 2000 | Variety Show at the End of the World | War | TV series, 1 episode |
| 2001 | When Good Ghouls Go Bad | Mayor Bob Churney | TV movie |
| 2001–06 | Blue Heelers | Senior Constable Ian Goss | TV series, 5 episodes |
| 2002 | Bad Cop, Bad Cop | Assistant Commissioner 'Pud' Tugwell | TV series, 2 episodes |
| Dossa and Joe | Charlie | TV series, 1 episode | |
| 2002–03 | Always Greener | Eddie McGill | TV series, 4 episodes |
| Don't Blame the Koalas | Principal | TV series, 13 episodes | |
| 2003 | Fat Cow Motel | Bill Butler | TV series, 13 episodes |
| The Strip | Douglas Collins | TV series, 8 episodes | |
| Skin & Bone | Tupper | TV movie | |
| 2005 | The Secret Life of Us | Frank | TV series, 1 episode |
| Small Claims: White Wedding | Ron Duffy | TV movie | |
| A Very Barry Christmas | Barry Buckley (voice) | TV movie | |
| Hell Has Harbour Views | Kevin Fields | TV movie | |
| 2006 | Headland | Col | TV series, 5 episodes |
| Two Twisted | Barber | TV series, 1 episode | |
| Thank God You're Here | part of ensemble Cast | TV series, 1 episode | |
| 2007 | Jackie Jackie | Mr. Chuck | TV movie |
| Valentine's Day | Kevin Flynn | TV movie | |
| 2008 | Packed to the Rafters | Ron Barrett | TV series, 3 episodes |
| Out of the Blue | Mr Holt | TV series, 1 episode | |
| 2009 | Underbelly | Aussie Bob Trimbole | TV series, 13 episodes |
| Chandon Pictures | Celebrant | TV series, 1 episode | |
| 2010 | Cops L.A.C. | Senior Sergeant Graeme Sinclair | TV series, 13 episodes |
| 2010–18 | Rake | Senate President / Judge Jordan | TV series, 8 episodes |
| 2011 | Underbelly Files: Infiltration | Aussie Bob Trimbole | TV movie |
| 2012 | Micro Nation | Narrator | TV series, 1 episode |
| Jack Irish: Bad Debts | Harry Strang | TV movie | |
| Jack Irish: Black Tide | Harry Strang | TV movie | |
| Hounds | David | TV series, 1 episode | |
| 2013 | Cliffy | Wally | TV movie |
| The Elegant Gentleman's Guide to Knife Fighting | Special Guest | TV miniseries, 1 episode | |
| 2013–14 | Agent Anna | Clinton Walker | TV series, 16 episodes |
| Wonderland | Peter Varvaris | TV series, 4 episodes | |
| 2014 | It's a Date | Graham | TV series, 1 episode |
| Jack Irish: Dead Point | Harry Strang | TV movie | |
| 2016 | Dog Squadron | Rex (voice) | TV short |
| Here Come the Habibs! | Alan | TV series, 1 episode | |
| 2016–21 | Jack Irish | Harry Strang | TV series, 16 episodes |
| 2017 | Sisters | Ron | TV series, 7 episodes |
| House of Bond | Doozer Hughes | TV miniseries, 2 episodes | |
| House Husbands | Bernie | TV series, 1 episode | |
| 2018 | Pilot Week | Davis | TV series, 1 episode |
| 2019 | Blue Water Empire | TV docu-drama miniseries | |
| 2021 | The Panthers | Robert Muldoon | TV series, 6 episodes |
| 2022 | The Brokenwood Mysteries | Dan Holland | TV series, 1 episode |
| 2022 | My Life is Murder | Murray | TV series, 1 episode |
| 2024 | Austin | Bill Hogan | TV series: 8 episodes |
References
edit- ^ a b c Downie, Ken (January 2020). "Roy Billing". North & South magazine. No. January 2020. Auckland: Bauer Media. pp. 68–72.
- ^ "ABC confirms June return date for season of JACK IRISH with GUY PEARCE". TV Blackbox. 16 May 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
- ^ "Roy Billing". www.nzonscreen.com. 2020. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
- ^ Maddox, Garry (16 April 2019) Life is still busy over 70 for stars of new 'triumph over ageing' film, The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (11 November 2023). "Production underway on Austin | TV Tonight". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ^ "Putting on the Ritz". Southern Courier. Retrieved 23 June 2011.
- ^ "Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division" (PDF). Official Secretary to the Governor-General of Australia. 26 January 2015. p. 15. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
- ^ "Australia Day honours: NSW residents recognised with Orders of Australia". ABC News. 26 January 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
- ^ Anderson, John (3 July 2015). "Bring in stars to boost Australian film industry, says actor". Townsville Bulletin. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
- ^ "Go Dry this July". Dry July 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
External links
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