Bryan Brown: From Reading Hater to Crime Writer
Bryan Brown, now 78, once disliked English and literature while growing up in Sydney. However, a long plane flight awakened his talent for storytelling. Known for his rugged charm and memorable roles in classics like The Thorn Birds and films such as Breaker Morant, he has worked with Hollywood stars including Tom Cruise and Sigourney Weaver.
Acting Career and Literary Shift
Brown's acting highlights span from iconic TV events to major films, making him instantly recognizable. In recent years, he has turned to writing, becoming a bestselling crime author. His first book, Sweet Jimmy, a short story collection, was published in 2021, followed by his debut novel The Drowning in 2023. His third book, The Hidden, was released this month.
Early Reading Challenges
Despite his success, Brown admits he "hated English at school" because reading classics like Great Expectations felt boring during his youth. He reflects,
“Not when you’re bloody 12 and 14 and 16, and you want to play sport...”
Though he now appreciates Dickens as a great novelist, his childhood attitude towards reading was shaped by a desire to be active rather than sit with books.
Current Life and Interests
Brown resides in Sydney with his wife, actor and director Rachel Ward. He was in Melbourne recently for a podcast—despite having never listened to one himself.
“I’ve never listened to a podcast, ever,” he admits.
His journey shows how early struggles with reading can transform into a passion for writing, revealing a new creative chapter in his life.
Author's summary: Bryan Brown overcame his childhood dislike of reading to become a celebrated actor and bestselling crime writer, proving storytelling can arise from unexpected beginnings.