Bryan Brown hated English as a kid. One book changed everything

Bryan Brown’s Journey from Hating English to Becoming a Crime Writer

Growing up in Sydney, literature held no appeal for Bryan Brown, the acclaimed actor known for his rugged charm and memorable roles. Despite his impressive career, which includes classics from the TV event era like The Thorn Birds and films such as Breaker Morant, Brown initially disliked reading.

A Reluctant Reader in His Youth

Brown openly admits,

“I hated English at school... Because we got things like Great Expectations to read…”
He now acknowledges Charles Dickens’ work as a great novel but recalls,
“not when you’re bloody 12 and 14 and 16, and you want to play sport...”

The Turning Point

It was during a long plane flight that Brown’s inner storyteller emerged, sparking his interest in literature and writing.

From Actor to Bestselling Author

Although he is 78 years old, Brown remains as charismatic and recognizable as ever. Alongside his acting achievements, he has become a successful author. His writing career started with a 2021 collection of short stories titled Sweet Jimmy. In 2023, he published his first novel, The Drowning, followed by the release of his third work, The Hidden.

Currently residing in Sydney with his wife, actor and director Rachel Ward, Brown was in Melbourne for a podcast appearance despite revealing,

“I’ve never listened to a podcast, ever.”

Author’s Summary

Bryan Brown transformed from a boy who disliked reading into an acclaimed crime writer, proving it’s never too late to discover your passion for storytelling.

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The Age The Age — 2025-11-07

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