In theatre John has worked on numerous Bell Shakespeare Company productions of Romeo and Juliet, Wars of the Roses, Twelfth Night and Anthony and Cleopatra.
He received the Matilda Award Outstanding Achievement in Queensland Theatre for his roles in Sweet Phoebe and Oz Shorts.
John is currently in Melbourne shooting a film called The Tenderhook with Hugo Weaving and Rose Byrne.
Tell me in your own words about your character, Charge, in Sea Patrol?
‘Charge’ is the Chief Engineer of HMAS Hammersley. His estrangement from his wife and kids have made him a solitary man, so he puts his entire focus into his engines and his crew, which means he's very dedicated to his job, which is a good thing. However it also means that if he has any problems of his own, he won't open up to anybody or admit anything is wrong, which could be his downfall.
How is your character similar or different to yourself?
The main difference between Charge and me is I know nothing about engines - NOTHING! Basically, I put a key into something and turn it, if it doesn't start its broken and it's time to get a new one. I guess we're similar in that I'm fairly solitary myself. I keep to myself a lot and apart from a very few close friends, spend most of my time with my wife and kids.
What was the most memorable aspect of filming for you?
The most memorable thing about the shoot was when we were half way through the Mission Beach section and I flew to Sydney to see my son being born. That will stay with me forever.
What was your view of the navy prior to the show compared to now?
I didn't have much of a view about the Navy before I started Sea Patrol. I was a Sea Cadet when I was 8 or 9, and that didn't last very long. My view now is it's an amazingly strong family to be a part of. From the men and women of HMAS Cairns and HMAS Ipswich, we got the impression that everyone mattered and felt they had somewhere to belong.
Any anecdotes that make the show memorable or different from other shows you have worked on?
One major difference in this show was our Green Room (resting area). It was floating off the coast of Dunk Island in the shape of a big boat and was lovely. One day we were filming on the bow of the ship and Jeremy Lindsay-Taylor was wearing a dress and a bad wig when a pod of dolphins started to race with us. That was quite possibly the most beautiful thing I've ever seen and it was happening while I was at work.
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