At his career's peak during the late '80s and early '90s, John Hargreaves was among his native Australia's most popular actors. He was the only actor to receive the Byron Kennedy Award, one of Australia's highest civilian awards that is given to people who exemplify the pursuit of excellence. A graduate of Australia's National Institute of Dramatic Art, class of 1970, Hargreaves launched his film career with The Removalists (1974), an adaptation of David Williamson's play. He made his sophomore appearance in another film version of a Williamson play, Don's Party, this time under director Bruce Beresford. Hargreaves has not only gone on to star in numerous Australian films, he has also appeared in many international productions, notably, Richard Attenborough's Cry Freedom (1987) and Hotel Sorrento (1995). Other awards won by Hargreaves include Best Actor for My First Wife (1984), and two Best Supporting Actor awards from the Australian Film Institute for Careful, He Might Hear You (1984) and Malcolm (1986). His last appearance was a cameo in Paul Cox's Lust and Revenge (1996). ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide