10 fun and interesting Peter Finch facts

1. Peter Ingle Finch, Actor, Dies at 67

Peter Ingle Finch was born on the 28th of September 1916 in London, England. He was a renowned actor who achieved international fame for his role in the 1976 film Network, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor. Sadly, Finch passed away on the 14th of January 1977, leaving behind a legacy of incredible performances that will never be forgotten.

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2. Peter Finch's Legacy Lives On: Actor Wins Oscar After Death

Peter Finch was an acclaimed actor who achieved international fame for his iconic role as the 'crazy' television anchorman Howard Beagle in the 1976 movie Network. His performance in the film was so powerful that it posthumously earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the first actor to win an Oscar after their death. His performance in Network is widely regarded as one of the greatest in cinematic history, and his legacy continues to live on in the hearts of movie fans around the world.

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3. Laurence Olivier discovered young Australian actor Peter Finch

In 1948, the renowned British actor Laurence Olivier discovered the young Australian actor Peter Finch while touring Australia with his theatrical company. Impressed by Finch's talent, Olivier signed him to a personal contract and invited him to join the troupe on their return journey to London. This marked the beginning of Finch's illustrious career, which would eventually lead him to become one of the most celebrated actors of his time.

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4. #52 Greatest Movie Character Ever

Peter Finch's iconic performance as Howard Beagle in the 1976 classic Network was recently ranked #52 in Premier Magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time. His portrayal of the disgruntled news anchor, who famously declared "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!" during a live broadcast, has become an iconic moment in cinematic history. Finch's performance earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the first actor to win an Oscar posthumously.

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5. A Short Filmography

Peter Finch made his debut on the silver screen in 1935 with a short film adaptation of the classic fairy tale Cinderella, entitled The Magic Shoes. His first feature film was Dad and Dave Come to Town, where he played a supporting role. This marked the beginning of a long and successful career for Finch, who went on to become one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation.

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6. Peter Finch's Fear of Flying Led to a Disabling Phobia

Peter Finch suffered from a debilitating fear of flying, which had a major impact on his life. He was unable to travel by air, and had to rely on other forms of transportation to get to his destinations. This phobia was so severe that he was even afraid to take a helicopter ride, which was the only way he could get to the set of his last movie, Network. Despite his fear, he was determined to make the movie and managed to get to the set by taking a long and arduous car ride.

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7. Peter Finch's international upbringing shapes his acting

As a child, Peter Finch spent time in three different countries: France, India, and Australia. His parents were originally from Australia, so it was only natural that he would eventually end up there. During his formative years, he experienced the culture and customs of two vastly different countries, giving him a unique perspective on life. This international upbringing would later shape his career as an actor, as he was able to draw on his experiences to bring authenticity to his roles.

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8. Peter Finch, Iconic Actor, Dies at 69

On January 14, 1977, the beloved actor Peter Finch tragically passed away in the lobby of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. He suffered a fatal heart attack, leaving behind a legacy of iconic performances in films such as Network and Sunday Bloody Sunday. His death was a shock to the entertainment industry, and his memory is still cherished by fans around the world.

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9. Peter Finch's Legacy Lives On

Peter Finch was an Australian actor who made a lasting impression on the film industry. He was one of only two people to ever receive an Academy Award posthumously, the other being fellow Australian, Heath Ledger. His performance in the 1976 film Network earned him the award for Best Actor, making him the first and only actor to win an Oscar after his death. His legacy lives on in the hearts of many, and his influence on the film industry is still felt today.

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10. An Unforgettable Talent

Peter Finch was an incredibly versatile talent, enlisting in the Australian Army on June 2, 1941 and serving as an anti aircraft gunner in the Middle East. During his time in the army, he was granted leaves to pursue his passion for film, theater and radio, and was even in the Middle East when the Bombing of Darwin took place. Despite the demands of his military service, Finch was able to continue his work in the entertainment industry, showcasing his remarkable talent and dedication.