PETER FINCH
as Richard D'Oyly Carte

Peter Finch was born in South Kensington, London. When he was two years old, he left England and did not return until 1947, by which time he had gained a reputation as one of Australia's leading actors on stage, screen and radio.

By the time war broke out, Peter had scored a great success on the stage and radio in Sydney and had also appeared in several Australian films. On the outbreak of hostilities, he Joined the A.I.F. and was sent to the Middle East with an Anti-Aircraft Regiment, but he was soon switched to his own sphere and, still in uniform, was given the task of forming the First Army Theatre, which entertained Australian troops in many theatres of war.

On demobilization, Peter formed his own company with which he toured Australian factories. In one of these he was discovered by Sir Laurence Olivier, who was so impressed by the young actor's performance that he advised him to try his luck in London, and put him under contract, giving him in important part in his own stage production, Daphne Laureola.

Page modified 16 April 2009