In the wake of the entertainment industry awards season, it is difficult to ignore the growing line up of Australian talent making it big here and abroad.
Over the last couple of years it has been refreshing to see a re-focus on home-grown television drama. Shows such as Kath and Kim, Underbelly and Packed to the Rafters have been instrumental in reinvigorating the local industry and prompting a resurgence in popularity for Australian
stories and some of our biggest names.
It is refreshing to see new programs showcasing a range of Australia's new and incumbent talent. No one was more pleased than me when Rebecca Gibney returned to the small screen as Julie Rafter in Packed to the Rafters. As one of our most beloved stars it was a delight to have her back, and in such a special character. Her recent Gold Logie win is tribute to her rapport with the public and her success in this role.
Another household name who has endeared herself to the nation is Kate Ritchie. Having practically grown up on our screens as Sally Fletcher in Home and Away it was difficult to come to terms with her departure from the hit show in 2008. However, since that time Kate has gone from
strength to strength. She now co-hosts Nova's breakfast show alongside comedy duo Merrick and Ross and most recently shocked audiences with her dramatic portrayal of Judi Kane, wife of one of Melbourne's true wild men in Channel Nine's award winning Underbelly: A Tale of Two
Cities.
Rove McManus has also enjoyed his fair share of success as Australia's supremo TV Presenter. First gracing commerical television screens in 1999, Rove which went on to become Rove Live has built up a cult following of fans from teeny boppers to grannies. His quick wit, charm and
boy next door appeal have cemented him a place as one of Australia's best loved celebrities.
One of our most enduring performers, known in more recent times for her role as Sharon Strzelecki is the wonderful Magda Szubanski. One of the country's best comedic talents she has been wowing television audiences for 24 years with an array iconic characters, many of whom
themselves have become household names.
But it's not just in the television industry that local talent is flourishing, movies too are proving to be big business for Australian actors with many names including Eric Bana, Naomi Watts, Nicole Kidman and Isla Fischer making it big in Hollywood.
Our most successful export to date, however, would have to be golden child Hugh Jackman. Recent host of the Oscars, Hugh is popular around the globe for his down to earth nature, charisma and versatility, and of course his charm and good looks haven't hurt his popularity.
These are just some of the stars that have endeared themselves to the Australian public.Whether they make it big here or abroad we can be assured that aussie stars will be doing us proud.
