Andrew's Anguish

TV Soap, Vol 4 No 12, December 1998

He's one of our most experienced and versatile actors, but State Coroner star Andrew Clarke says he's finding it harder to get work on TV.

State Coroner, the show on which Andrew Clarke plays Detective Colin Decker alongside Wendy Hughes' Kate Ferrari, is the first acting job the well-known star has had in more than 18 months. Though he says it isn't because of the lack of work in Australian TV.

"It's hard to get work as an older actor," says Andrew, who is in his mid-40s.

"Most of Australia's TV shows have got younger people in them. The Australian TV market is aimed at a younger audience, so it's hard for older actors to find the work."

Andrew is best known for his work in the high-rating The Man From Snowy River which also starred his current co-star Wendy Hughes. He also starred in the mini series ANZACS co-starring with Paul Hogan. But he admits that he still had to audition for the role of Detective Decker.

"It wasn't a case of just because I had worked with Wendy before that I got the role," he says. "I had to audition just like everyone else. And I really had no choice but to take the part. The factors for me taking it were that it was money and regular work."

And in an attempt to try and secure roles usually reserved for younger actors, Andrew has shaved off his trademark moustache to try and look just that much younger.

But Andrew is philosophical about his position in an industry that relies increasingly on young actors and is determined to stick it out.

And when State Coroner finishes filming for this season, Andrew will once again be looking for work.

"I've nothing planned as yet, but rest assured I will be out there with everybody else looking for work."

KEELI CAMBOURNE