SANDRA SULLY, BORN IN 1961 - BACKYARD ASHES

Sandra Sully is an Australian journalist known for being the first Australian TV journalist to cover 9/11. The attack happened while she was live on air, and she presented the live proceedings without missing a beat. This wouldn't be the only time she was first at something, though.

A few years later, Sandra became the first woman to co-host the Melbourne Cup carnival broadcast. The lady was so good she held on to the role for a staggering seven years. Since then, Sandra has continued to make a name for herself on Channel Ten by taking on various hosting and presenting positions.

VICTORIA PRINCIPAL, BORN IN 1950 - DALLAS

If you're a fan of 'Dallas,' you can probably recognize Victoria Principal from a mile away. The actress portrayed Pamela Barnes Ewing so well some people knew her as Pamela for a while. Unfortunately, Victoria would leave the show after nine years, leaving fans wanting more.

After leaving Dallas, Principal established a relatively successful company that mainly focused on television films. Sometime later, her interest shifted to skin care products with a focus on natural beauty therapies. Like her previous ventures, Principal Secret—her skincare line—also became a hit. This success did not come out of the blue as Victoria had released several best-selling skincare books meaning the actress knew her stuff.

RICHARD CHAMBERLAIN, BORN IN 1934 - GUNSMOKE

The '60s saw many swoon over the machoness of the one and only Richard Chamberlain. The actor portrayed Dr. James Kildare, who was and surprisingly still is, the most eligible bachelor in TV history. The role was so fitting it infiltrated Richard's private life as people had difficulty separating the character from the actor.

After his time as James ended, Richard carefully selected more diverse acting roles to rebuild his image and reputation in the acting world. This allowed the man to rebrand as an action star before he switched to musical theater. At 69, the hunk released an in-depth memoir detailing his life which had some interesting revelations about his personality and love interests.

ROBBY BENSON, BORN IN 1956 - BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Robby Benson happens to be one of the most decorated humans ever to grace our screens. His most famous role might be his time in the Disney classic 'Beauty and the Beast,' where he voiced the iconic Beast, but that is not his only feat.

Aside from acting, Robby is a stellar musician who excels in composing and lyricism. His influence is so significant there's a chance every theatre lover has heard some of his pieces. If you are wondering why you haven't heard from the man in a while, that's because he is working on his next theatrical musical titled, 'I Hear A Song!'

SANDIE SHAW, BORN IN 1947 - LAST NIGHT IN SOHO

Sandie Shaw might be a veteran in the acting sphere, but unlike most of her peers who are keen on retiring, our good girl is not showing any signs of slowing down. In fact, with her recent appearance in 2021's 'Last Night in Soho,' it seems like the actress's sunset years might be her busiest.

Sandie's work ethic is not surprising, considering how much she has worked all her life. In 1967, she became the first British artist to win the Eurovision Song Contest. As if that's not impressive enough, Sandie was awarded the MBE in 2017 specifically for her contributions to music.

CATE BLANCHETT, BORN IN 1969 - LORD OF THE RINGS

Cate Blanchett needs no introduction. After appearing in the critically acclaimed 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy and winning people over with her performance in 'Elizabeth,' there's nothing this woman can't do. Over the years, the actress has continued pushing the boundaries of her career and building an impressive resume without missing a beat.

Even after getting kids and clocking 40, the actress still managed to take on a demanding role that required her to play 13 different characters. This was in 2015 when she signed on 'Manifesto.' Today, the actress primarily works with her husband on theatrical productions, which have earned her some stellar nominations.

NICOLE KIDMAN, BORN IN 1967 – MOULIN ROUGE!

There are not enough words to describe gorgeous and talented actress Nicole Kidman. She took the audience by a storm in the '80s when she entered the game industry. The 'Batman Forever' star is a critically acclaimed and well-respected celebrity boasting an impressive resume. Nicole made her acting debut in her teens, and within a few years came to the forefront.

The 2000s was when she appeared in diverse roles, and it helped highlight her versatility to the viewers. Interestingly, Nicole is among the few female superstars who willingly take on assignments that are hard to work on, but it has worked in her favor. We must say, even in her 50s, she remains unstoppable.

HUGH JACKMAN, BORN IN 1968 – X-MEN

From romantic comedies to period dramas, you name a genre, and we can quote a film by Hugh Jackman. Such is his career chart, which is not surprising given how talented he is. The actor was lucky to bag a role in the drama series 'Correlli' immediately after he graduated. From there, he got noticed for his work, and soon he made his Hollywood debut in 'X-Men.'

Hugh's performance in the movie left the audience craving more, and after this breakthrough role, there was no looking back for the artist. The 'Deception' star may have started late, but that did not stop him from making a name for himself, and even in his 50s, he is ruling the box office.

ERIC BANA, BORN IN 1968 – HULK

When we talk about Australian celebrities, Eric Bana is a name one cannot forget. A massive superstar, he was the first celebrity to play the titular role in the movie 'Hulk.' We do not doubt that he is a talented actor, but his movie performances did not define his career. Instead, Eric started his career as a comedian, which got him instant fame.

The 'Star Trek' star then banked lead parts with some big productions for over a decade in the 2000s. Nonetheless, we have seen a little less of the performer in recent years. People speculated whether Eric retired from his career, but he was back with a bang with the movie 'The Dry.'

SIMON BAKER, BORN IN 1970 – HERE AND NOW

Simon Baker is well-known both in the Australian and American film industries. While we fondly remember him as the lead in the procedural drama 'The Mentalist,' he has done considerable work in both films and on television in his home country and internationally. His gig as Patrick Jane lasted for nearly a decade, making him a household name.

Nonetheless, after 2015 the actor has been selective in taking up projects. We assume it could be because the celebrity has recently stepped into his 50s and prefers to enjoy the wealth he has earned over the years. Yet he hasn't completely given up on his acting career and has a few projects on the way.

GEOFFREY RUSH, BORN IN 1951 – SHINE

Today, Geoffrey Rush is one of the most prolific actors in Hollywood. Still, there was a time when his presence was limited to Australia. Fortunately, an opportunity came knocking on his door, and he pocketed a role in the movie 'Shine.' The actor received critical acclaim for portraying the character of the eccentric pianist, which got him international fame.

While Geoffrey struggled despite being a talented performer, things turned for the better after this breakthrough performance. His unconventional acting style helped him earn several accolades, including the Triple Crown of Acting. Now, the celebrity is in his 70s, but he does not wish to retire from the industry anytime soon.

HUGO WEAVING, BORN IN 1960 – THE LORD OF THE RINGS

An antagonist that we love seeing on screen is Hugo Weaving. Starting his career in the Australian film industry, he kept a safe distance from Hollywood in the initial days. Nonetheless, the actor couldn't stay off the radar for long, getting noticed instantly after his performance in 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert.' Then came 'The Matrix,' which became Hugo's big debut in tinsel town.

After this, the 'Bodyline' star started landing roles in some of the biggest blockbuster American movies. Yet Hugo would travel back to Australia to work on other projects in his home country. Even today, this celebrity still has some work upcoming, showing that age is just a number.

RICHARD ROXBURGH, BORN IN 1962 – VAN HELSING

Richard Roxburgh played leading roles in his hometown in Australia and only had supporting roles in the American industry. Despite playing minor characters in movies like 'Mission: Impossible 2' and 'Moulin Rouge,' he gained critical acclaim through his dexterous performances. The performer has been in the acting industry for over three decades, receiving numerous awards throughout his career.

While some celebrities reduce the number of projects they take up with growing age, the same does not hold for Richard. Interestingly, the performer has ventured into directing and producing movies while simultaneously managing to star in new assignments. Maybe being in his 60s has brought new energy to the voiceover artist.

BRYAN BROWN, BORN IN 1947 – THE THORN BIRDS

Bryan Brown is a critically acclaimed actor that rose from a humble background. The Actor was born in the late ‘40s to a house cleaner and pianist. His Australian education had him pinned as an actuarial scientist, but Bryan’s heart belonged to the stage.

Bryan is best known for his role as Luke O’Neil in 'The Thorn Birds.' The 1983 blockbuster earned him both Golden Globe and Emmy nominations. More importantly, the role introduced him to the love of his life, Rachel Ward. Bryan has since held on to his international audience and has starred with A-list celebrities, such as Tom Cruise. One of the greatest aspects of Brown’s career is that he has managed to retain his native identity by continuously playing Australian roles.

MIRIAM MARGOLYES, BORN IN 1941 – THE HARRY POTTER MOVIE SERIES

Miriam Margolyes is a veteran of the entertainment industry. She has been gracing both stage and screen since the late '60s. While she appeared in shows like 'Boy Meets Girl' in 1968, her most famous role is as Professor Sprout in the 'Harry Potter' movie series.

Miriam already found fame in the early '80s when she appeared in the iconic show 'Blackadder' as Infanta Maria Escalosa of Spain. She must have liked the crew because she returned for another role for the sequel series. Since then, she has starred with many noteworthy actors, like Leonardo DiCaprio. No wonder this acting master has acquired many awards in her illustrious career.

JACKI WEAVER, BORN IN 1947 – ANIMAL KINGDOM

There seems to be a trend among Australian actors from the '40s taking over Hollywood. This is the case for Jacki Weaver, an Australian actress. Jacki is, by all definitions, a veteran of the acting world. She has starred in numerous critically acclaimed films and acted in an impressive 100 on-stage plays in Australia alone.

Jacki Weaver is still readily cast in popular films, such as 2020's 'The Grudge,' but her career is mainly founded on her previous work. Her most famous role was her performance in 'Animal Kingdom,' which earned her several noteworthy nominations. Jacki was nominated for an Academy Award in 2011 for Best Supporting Actress.

JUDY DAVIS, BORN IN 1955 – HUSBANDS AND WIVES

Judy Davis is a two-time winner of the Emmy awards. She has acquired a reputation for portraying realistic women in TV shows. Judy, who hails from Perth, Australia, has taken the film world by storm. She has over 60 film credits, many of which received international praise and recognition.

Judy’s first noteworthy role was in the 1979 film 'My Brilliant Career,' but her true breakout role would come more than a decade later in 1992 as Sally in 'Husbands and Wives.' While she did star in numerous films and shows before then, it was Sally that set her apart from the flock. Since then, she has received dozens of acclaimed roles and won an array of awards in her astonishing career.

BEN MENDELSOHN, BORN IN 1969 - THE YEAR MY VOICE BROKE

Australian bad boy Ben Mendelsohn has infamously made a career playing a villain. From Andrew "Pope" Cody in 'Animal Kingdom' to his role as Sorrento in 'Ready Player One,' Ben is no stranger to the spotlight. It might come as a surprise that an actor with such an active role in Hollywood had his breakout role in 1987.

His role in 'The Year My Voice Broke' set Ben up to take over the dark side of the film industry. This also paved the way for his later role in 'Animal Kingdom,' which ultimately garnered him international recognition and fame. Since then, he has starred in major blockbusters such as 'The Dark Knight Rises' and 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.'

MALCOLM TURNBULL, BORN IN 1954 – A CURRENT AFFAIR

Malcolm Turnbull is a former prime minister of Australia who was born on October 24th, 1954. He served from 2015 to 2018 as leader of the Liberal Party. Since graduating from Oxford, Turnbull has shown an interest in politics and has been in the field since then. He started his professional career as a barrister, and it took him about eight years to establish his law firm.

Besides being a successful, loved politician, Turnbull is a beloved husband to former Lord Mayor of Sydney Lucy Turnbull, who is four years younger than he is. They have been happily married since 1980. Together they have two children and three grandchildren.

SCOTT MORRISON, BORN IN 1968 – TELETHON

Born in Sydney in 1968, Scott Morrison is also an Australian politician who served as a prime minister after Turnbull from 2018 to 2022. At first, he wanted to study theology at Regent College in Canada, but he changed his mind and chose to enter the workforce after he finished his undergraduate education. His father had a big say in this decision.

As a child, Morrison greatly supported his favorite rugby team, the Eastern Suburbs RUFC. But as he grew older, he became a fan of the Cronulla-Sutherlands Sharks. Morrison married his high-school sweetheart, Jenny, and they have been happily in love since they were both 16.

PAULINE HANSON, BORN IN 1954 – PAULINE HANSON: PLEASE EXPLAIN!

Pauline Hanson is the founder and leader of One Nation, a right-wing populist political party. Although she didn't enter politics until 1994, Hanson had a successful fish and chip shop that kept the boat afloat. Yet, she seems to have found her passion as she had given a lot to the political world.

Hanson went through some legal trouble that affected her career immensely. Due to her strong political views, Hanson and her children had to be heavily guarded by security with persistent escorting. She has been trying to keep her children from the public eye hence the heavy security.

CLIVE PALMER, BORN IN 1954 – SUNRISE

Besides being a well-known politician, Clive Palmer is also a successful businessman. He owns multiple iron ore, nickel, and coal holdings. He had a rich education in law, journalism, and politics. Once he got his law degree, he became a clerk and interviewing officer for the Public Defender's office.

On a different note, any fan of the sunken ship would be ecstatic to know that Palmer wanted to build a modern-day replica of the Titanic, making the original ship's tragedy a bit less tragic. Unfortunately, the project was abandoned in 2015. But, we are still hopeful that a miracle would make Titanic II real and ready to sail.

JULIA GILLARD, BORN IN 1961 – WEST WING WEEK

Here is another Australian former prime minister on this list—Julia Gillard, who served as the leader of the Australian Labor Party from 2010 to 2013. She happens to be the first female prime minister in Australia, making all the women in the world incredibly proud.

What's unique about Gillard is that she has always been direct about her goals, wants, and needs. When she was a guest on ABC TV's 'Australian Story' program, Gillard stated that she had always made it clear that she never wanted children. Although some women could balance having kids with maintaining a career, Gillard couldn't see herself doing it.

PAUL KEATING, BORN IN 1944 – 24TH PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA

Born in 1944, Paul John Keating is an Australian politician who has held several positions. At age 14, Keating realized his passion for politics and dropped out of high school to pursue it. In 1958, he joined the Labor Party and worked as a trade union research assistant and pay clerk.

Keating’s efforts transitioned into more significant things, including being the Australian treasurer from 1983 to 1991 and the 24th Australian prime minister from 1991 to 1996. After his defeat in the 1996 elections, he resigned from all his responsibilities and returned in 2008 as a commentator on vital political issues.

KATY GALLAGHER, BORN IN 1970 – MINISTER OF FINANCE

After the tragic passing of her fiancé, Katy Gallagher ventured into a prosperous political career that changed her life for the better. Before that, Gallagher bagged a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Australian National University and served as a social worker, union organizer, and People First ACT advocate. With these positions, she was able to help the physically and intellectually disadvantaged in Australia from 1994 to 1997.

She has served as the 6th Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory, as a senator, and as Australia’s Minister of Finance and vice-president of the executive council. Gallagher is married to David Skinner, and together they have three children.

JOHN HOWARD, BORN IN 1939 – 25TH PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA

John Winston Howard is popularly known for being the second-longest serving Australian prime minister. As a young boy, Howard worked at his father’s petrol station, his first official responsibility before serving the Australian populace at large.

He has served as Australia’s treasurer, the 8th leader of the Liberal Party, and the 25th prime minister, after Paul Keating. In 2009, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former US president, George Bush. Howard has also published a few works, such as his autobiography, ‘Lazarus Rising: A Personal and Political Autobiography.’

JULIE BISHOP, BORN IN 1956 – CHANCELLOR OF AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Though she has since retired from Australian politics, Julie Bishop assumed a substantial number of offices in her prime, most notably as the minister for foreign affairs and the minister for women. Her retirement brought no break, as she quickly took up the role of Australian National University's chancellor in 2020.

Her political career was a trailblazer, considering she was the first woman to occupy some political offices. The former minister once stated that her career had been so demanding that it left no room for her to have kids. With a professional record like hers, this isn't surprising.

MARIE BASHIR, BORN IN 1930 – 37TH GOVERNOR OF NEW SOUTH WALES

In the chronicle of surviving Australian politicians, Marie Bashir remains an inescapable figure. Though in her early 90s, Bashir is still active professionally, although she has since retired from the political arena. Her first political position was as Lady Mayoress of Sydney, alongside her husband, Nicholas Shehadie, who was then the Lord Mayor of Sydney in 1974.

Following that, she became the 37th governor of New South Wales, and the 17th chancellor of the University of Sydney. She is equally an outstanding medical practitioner, having held diverse medical offices in Australia, such as the Clinical Director of Mental Health Services for Central Sydney, and Director of the Rivendell Child, Adolescent, and Family Service.

PENNY WONG, BORN IN 1968 – MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AUSTRALIA

Penny Wong is well known as the Minister for Foreign Affairs in Australia, where she seeks to rebuild the country's reputation as the partner of choice. She aims to draw on all elements of their national power to build a stable and prosperous region. Penny, born in the Malaysian state of Sabah, was eight years old when her family moved to Australia in 1976 and settled in Adelaide.

She studied law at the University of Adelaide, after which she worked for the trade union covering furniture industry employees, taking part in campaigns to improve pay and conditions for the union's members, including poorly-paid female migrants working in upholstery workshops. This role, we believe, formed the foundation for her leadership prowess.

REBECCA JUDD, BORN IN 1983—KAWAKI & SHARP

Rebecca Judd is an Australian Actress, model, speech pathologist, and television presenter best known for 'Kawaki & Sharp.' The wife of former Australian Football League player Chris Judd was once the host of Victorian-based travel program 'Postcards' and was a weekend weather presenter on Nine News Melbourne.

The Australian-born model received considerable media attention in 2004 following the Brownlow Medal presentation, where her then-boyfriend won the Brownlow Medal. Following the award, Judd received several offers from Australian television networks. The mother of four is now an ambassador for 'Klorane' and brands such as 'Myers,' 'Chadstone,' 'The Fashion Capital,' 'Adairs,' and 'The Skincare Company.’

JESSICA ROWE, BORN IN 1970 – FORMULA 1: TEN SPORT

Jessica June Rowe is an Australian journalist, author, and television presenter. The Australian journalist, who is best known for her role in 2003's 'Formula 1: Ten Sport,' was the co-host of Studio 10 on Network Ten until March 2018. In addition, she is a Member of the Order of Australia for her mental health advocacy.

Besides her role in 'Formula 1: Ten Sport,' she has starred in other titles like 'Bert's Family Feud' and 'The Real Dirty Dancing.' Jessica is married to Australian television journalist and Nine News Sydney presenter Peter Overton, and they have two children together.

GUY SEBASTIAN, BORN IN 1981 –WINNER OF AUSTRALIAN IDOL 2003

Guy Sebastian Malaysia is an actor and composer, known for 'Please Like Me' and 'No Such Thing as Housewives.' The singer and songwriter came to the limelight when he was named the winner of the first season of 'Australian Idol' in 2003. He was a judge on Australia's 'The X Factor' from 2010 to 2012 and again from 2015 to 2016. He has been a coach on 'The Voice Australia' since 2019. Sebastian represented Australia at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest, finishing in fifth place.

The singer has been nominated for numerous awards during his career, winning many of them. These awards and nominations include ARIA Awards, and ARIA No. 1 Chart Awards, amongst others.

LISA WILKINSON –BORN IN 1959–HOST OF 'THE PROJECT'

Lisa Wilkinson is one of Australia's most respected media identities. With an early ground-breaking publishing career, Lisa is the youngest-ever editor of a national magazine at the age of 21. The television presenter and journalist is famous for being the co-host of 'The Project' and executive editor of 'Ten Daily.' This was followed by a ten-year editorial role with the iconic and best-selling 'Cleo' magazine, leading to a stunning television success story.

After over a decade as co-host of the Nine Network's 'Today Show,' Lisa joined the Ten Network as host of its prime-time award-winning news and current affairs program, 'The Project.' She has continued to make an impact in this role to date.