Celebrity Info
Kris McQuade has long been recognized as a distinctive character actress in her home country of Australia, building a solid career across both film and television. She was born in 1952 in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, and started her acting journey at the young age of 17. Her debut came in an episode of the short-lived Australian TV series Bellbird (1966–1967), which marked the beginning of what would become a lengthy and varied career.
In the early years, McQuade appeared in a number of low-budget “Ozploitation” films with rather provocative titles—movies like Come Out Fighting (1973), The Sex Therapist (1973), Alvin Rides Again, and Again! And Again! And Again! (1974), The Firm Man (1975), and Dick Down Under (1975). Despite the nature of these roles, she continued to hone her craft until she landed a significant opportunity in the critically praised short film The Love Letters from Teralba Road (1977), which helped elevate her career.
It was her role as Faye Peterson on the popular daytime soap Skyways (7 Network, 1979–1981) that first brought McQuade into the spotlight for a broader audience. Then came what many would consider a breakthrough year for her in 1982, when she starred in the unexpected dramedy hit Lonely Hearts (1982), as well as the youth-focused drama Fighting Back (1982). Her performance in the latter earned her the AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actress, an honor often seen as Australia’s equivalent of the Oscar.
Following this recognition, McQuade found herself in increasing demand, and she went on to appear in several successful films, both domestically and internationally. These include Goodbye Paradise (1983), The Coca-Cola Kid (1985), and notably, Baz Luhrmann’s directorial debut Strictly Ballroom (1992), which became a cultural phenomenon.
As the 1990s progressed, McQuade began to focus more on television work. She appeared in a variety of programs, including Boys From The Bush (BBC, 1991–92), Blue Heelers (7 Network, 1994–2006), Wildside (ABC, 1997–99), and Grass Roots (ABC, 2000–03). These roles showcased her versatility and helped maintain her presence in the public eye.
In the new millennium, McQuade returned to film with more frequency, starring in projects like Better Than Sex (2000), Ned Kelly (2003), Preservation (2003), December Boys (2007), and Subdivision (2009). At the same time, she continued to work steadily on television, appearing in series such as Stingers (9 Network, 1998–2004), Supernova (BBC Two, 2005–06), Wentworth (SoHo, 2013–), and even a memorable arc on the long-running soap Home and Away (7 Network, 1988–).
More recently, McQuade was seen in the comedy series Rosehaven (ABC, 2016–), and she also appeared alongside Martin Freeman in the post-apocalyptic thriller Cargo (2017), proving that her career continues to evolve and remain relevant in the ever-changing entertainment landscape.
When it comes to Kris McQuade’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to Two Friends (1986) as her standout performance—widely regarded as her highest rated movie. It’s a role that really showcased her talent and left a lasting impression. On the other hand, looking at the lower end of the spectrum, December Boys (2007) tends to come up as the least acclaimed entry in her body of work. While Kris McQuade brought depth to every role she took on, the reception of December Boys just didn’t match the success of earlier projects. Still, her contribution to Australian cinema over the years remains significant, with Kris McQuade consistently delivering memorable performances across various genres.
30
United States
