Underbelly hardman’s camp screen turn
Openly gay Australian actor Kim Knuckey might not have a famous name, but he’s popped up in a plethora of Aussie TV shows and films since the late ‘80s. The latest is his recurring role in the latest series of Underbelly: Razor, screening on Channel 9 from August 21. Knuckey plays a real-life taxi driver who spent his time driving Sydney’s nefarious criminals around the city.
Unfortunately, Knuckey hurt his Achilles tendon after one day on set and was delivered some unwelcome news from his doctor: no driving for three months.
“The Underbelly people were terrific, they worked around it and there was a lot of the car getting pushed in and out of shot,” Knuckey laughed.
Beyond Underbelly, Knuckey also has a supporting role in director Stephan Elliot’s (Priscilla: Queen of the Desert) latest film, the wedding comedy, A Few Best Men.
“It’s a very camp film. I had a great time – Phil Scott’s in it too, and we shot it in a beautiful old house in the Blue Mountains. In one of the lulls in filming, Phil took to an old piano to play a number and (cast member) Olivia Newton-John started singing. It was just fantastic! It doesn’t come out until Australia day, but they’ve shown it to test audiences and they’re very happy with the response.”
With more than two decades experience, Knuckey knows firsthand the highs and lows of life as a jobbing actor in Australia. He credited his partner of 29 years with offering invaluable support.
“Particularly the last three months, driving me around everywhere! It’s amazing that it’s been 29 years, because it’s gone so fast. It’s been a lot of fun.”
info: Underbelly: Razor, Channel 9 from August 21.
