Frankie J. Holden

Frankie J. Holden is recognised as one of Australia's most versatile and popular performers.

He was born in 1952, the same year the FJ Holden was manufactured, which he adopted as his stage name.

The 1950s enthusiast is thrilled to be part of the cast for A Place to Call Home, a show he believes will enjoy inter-generational appeal. "It’s an era I’ve researched and feel like I know a lot about," he says. "I love shows about Australia. I love hearing genuine Australian stories and I love the fact this is set in the period in which it’s set. I also love the fact my 10-year-old daughter will be able to watch as well as my 29-year old daughter."

Frankie began his show business career in the 1970s with the legendary rock group Ol’55, alongside Wilbur Wilde. After disbanding in 1981, Frankie went on to forge a successful television and film career. He has created some of Australian television’s most memorable characters through leading roles in shows such as Police Rescue, Round the Twist, Something in the Air, Underbelly and Embassy.

He has also played guest roles in virtually every drama and sitcom on Australian television such as Prisoner, A Country Practice, The Strip, All Saints and Blue Heelers. In 1990, he was awarded Best Actor in a Telemovie by the Australian Film Institute for his performance in Police Crop.

He’s also a successful television presenter. From 1993 to 1996, he roamed the world as a reporter on The Great Outdoors. In the mid-1990s, he hosted his own live variety program In Melbourne Tonight for three years, which he lists as one of his career highlights.

He’s also appeared in more than 30 films both here and overseas. His film work includes High Tide, Evil Angels, The Big Steal, Proof, Hammers Over The Anvil, Fortunes of War and Clubland, where he earned an AFI Best Supporting Actor nomination. His 1989 film Return Home earned Frankie the Best Performance in a Feature Film award at the AFI’s, an event he has hosted on three occasions.

In theatre, Frankie has appeared in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1981), The Rocky Horror Show (1992), Grease (1994), Summer of the Seventeenth Doll (1995), Daylight Saving (2001/2002) and Don Parties On (2011).

Frankie says the key to his career longevity has been his versatility. "I think being able and willing to try different things. I have a broad range I can draw on."

Well versed in singing, presenting, acting, he’s loathe to pick a favourite. "I love them all," he says. "I enjoy the variety. It keeps you fresh."

Frankie is married to actress Michelle Pettigrove, best known for her long running role as Kate Bryant in the much-loved series A Country Practice.
The pair, who are parents to 10-year-old Georgia Rose, hosted their own travel/caravanning show Discover Downunder in 2010 and currently appear as a family on What’s Up Downunder.

It’s a passion close to their hearts as owners of Tathra Caravan Park, situated close to their home on the Sapphire Coast of NSW.

He recently turned 60 and shows no signs of slowing down. "I have been blessed to have had a career that has been fun and in the process entertain
people," he says.

When he’s not working, he enjoys surfing and playing golf. He also still performs corporate gigs around the country.