Mike Bishop (actor)

{{short description|Australian actor}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}

{{Use Australian English|date=June 2023}}

{{Infobox person

| name = Mike Bishop

| image =

| caption =

| birth_name =

| birth_date =

| birth_place = Ringwood, Victoria

| occupation = Actor

| notable_works =

| years_active = 1981–present

| partner =

| children = Gemma Bishop{{Citation | last= Devlyn | first= Darren | title= Playing the field | url= | periodical= Herald Sun | date= 2 July 2003}}

}}

Mike Bishop, also credited as Michael Bishop, is an Australian actor, director and drama coach.{{Citation | last= | first= | title= My life in pictures – Mike Bishop | url= | periodical= Queensland U On Sunday | date= 21 August 2016}}

Career

Bishop's television appearances include recurring roles in cult prison series Prisoner playing Harry Grosvenor (1986), R.F.D.S. playing Evelyn Whaley (1993–1994) and Something in the Air as Sergeant Geoff Collins / Clive (2000–2001). He also featured in long-running soap opera Neighbours in 1996, in which he played the recurring guest role of Mick Anderson. He later worked as a drama coach on the series from 2005 to 2008.

He portrayed Uncle Dan in the second and third miniseries of Fields of Fire, in 1988 and 1989 respectively. In 1990, he appeared in the second miniseries of All the Rivers Run, based on the 1958 Australian novel of the same name by Nancy Cato. He also appeared in the 1992 political miniseries Bastard Boys as Peter Reith.{{Citation | last= Anderson | first= Doug | title= Television | url= | periodical= Herald Sun | date= 8 December 2011}} He later played English cricketer Doug Insole in the 2012 miniseries Howzat! Kerry Packer's War.

Additionally, Bishop has made guest appearances in numerous television series including Cop Shop, Carson's Law, The Henderson Kids, The Flying Doctors, Col'n Carpenter, All Together Now, Boys from the Bush, Acropolis Now, Law of the Land, Snowy, Blue Heelers, Good Guys, Bad Guys, Stingers, City Homicide, the first season of Underbelly, Killing Time, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, Fat Tony & Co. and Wentworth.

Bishop's film credits include 1985 comedy Malcolm,{{Citation | last= Bazzani | first= Rozzi | title= Old side splitter | url= | periodical= Herald Sun | date= 12 November 2001}} and 1987 action thriller Ground Zero (alongside Colin Friels in both), and 1992 film A Slow Night at the Kuwaiti Cafe. For his performance in the 1988 prison drama-suspense film Ghosts… of the Civil Dead, he was nominated for the 1989 Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.{{Citation | last= | first= | title= Ghosts beats Evil Angels | url= https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122280641 | periodical= The Canberra Times | date= 5 July 1989}}

His other film credits include medical comedy drama The Clinic (1982), Ozploitation film Future Schlock (1984), thriller Dead Sleep (1990) opposite Linda Blair, comedy A Kink in the Picasso (1990), gritty drama thriller Metal Skin (1994) alongside Ben Mendelsohn and Aden Young, and River Street (1996) opposite Bill Hunter, Essie Davis and Aden Young. He also appeared in several made-for-tv movies and short films.

Bishop has also worked extensively in theatre since 1982.{{Citation | title =Mike Bishop | publisher = AusStage | url = https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/contributor/230911 }}{{Citation | title =Michael Bishop | publisher = AusStage | url = https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/contributor/2251 }} He appeared in a touring production of The Hobbit puppet show as Gandalf in 1997,{{Citation | last= Wilkins | first= Peter | title= The Stuff Of Epic Fantasy | url= | periodical= The Canberra Times | date= 9 September 1997}}{{Citation | last= Steger | first= Jason | title= The Hobbit - Performance | url= | periodical= The Age | date= 14 December 1997}} Dirty Dancing as Max Kellerman from 2014 to 2015,{{Citation | last= Blake | first= Elissa | title= Baby, one more time | url= | periodical= The Sydney Morning Herald | date= 28 November 2014}}{{Citation | last= Wilson | first= Roxanne | title= Baby, I love your way | url= | periodical= Sunday Mail (Adelaide) | date= 27 September 2015}} and Singin' in the Rain as R.F. Simpson in 2016.{{Citation | last= Herbert | first= Kate | title= Rain supreme | url= | periodical= Herald Sun | date= 15 May 2016}}{{Citation | last= Byrne | first= Matt | title= Making a splash | url= | periodical= Sunday Mail (Adelaide) | date= 11 December 2016}} His most recent stage credit was Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Melbourne's Princess Theatre, in which he was part of the original cast from 2019 to 2022.

Bishop directed Dr. Cade{{Citation | last= Thompson | first= Helen | title= Quiet hero's tale lacking in verve - Arts | url= | periodical= The Age | date= 5 October 2002}}{{Citation | last= Thomson | first= Helen | title= Homage to great doctor lacks drama - Review - Theatre | url= | periodical= The Age | date= 12 May 2003}} at La Mama in Melbourne as part of the 2002 Melbourne Fringe Festival,{{Citation | title = Dr. Cade – La Mama | publisher = AusStage | url = https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/20347 }} before it moved to Beckett Theatre,{{Citation | title = Dr. Cade – Beckett Theatre | publisher = AusStage | url = https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/23800 }} and then Sydney's Stables Theatre in 2003.{{Citation | title = Dr. Cade – Stables Theatre | publisher = AusStage | url = https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/26070 }} His other stage credits as director include a 1993 touring production of The Wind in the Willows with the Australian Shakespeare Company, a 1996 Melbourne production of Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood at Melbourne Concert Hall and a 2009 Melbourne production of The Show Must Go On with La Mama.

Filmography

=Film=

class=wikitable

! Year

! Title

! Role

! Notes

1982The Clinic
1984Future SchlockBear
1985MalcolmArmed Guard
1987Ground ZeroTV News Cameraman
1988Ghosts… of the Civil DeadDavid Yale
1990BreakawayDe Silva
1990Dead SleepPoliceman
1990A Kink in the PicassoTony
1992A Slow Night at the Kuwaiti Cafe
1992Aftermath: Restoring the WorkplaceShort film
1994Metal SkinDazey's father
1995SticktoitivenessShort film
1996River StreetConstable Mark Rogers
1999Dead EndInterview Room Police
2009Remembering NigelMichael Bishop
2011TalkbackBill Pointer – The VirusShort film
2012PlanesMalachiShort film
2013Hard CasesThe JudgeShort film
2015I Am EvangelineMr Black
2018Hoarder ControlRobShort film
2018Bloody ChristmasPrime Minister Desmond Humphrey
2024Good NeighbourDavidShort film
2025Average BlokeTerrie Jones

=Television=

class=wikitable

! Year

! Title

! Role

! Notes

1981Cop ShopBen Higgins1 episode
1984Every Move She MakesBobTV movie
1983–1984Carson's LawDefence Counsel / Williams / Const. Reg Lewis / Frederick Walsh4 episodes
1985The Henderson KidsDesk Clerk2 episodes
1986PrisonerHarry Grosvenor11 episodes
1988Fields of Fire IIUncle DanMiniseries, 1 episode
1989Fields of Fire IIIUncle DanMiniseries, 1 episode
1989–1991The Flying DoctorsHarold Jacobs / Charlie2 episodes
1990Col'n CarpenterBrian1 episode
1990All the Rivers Run IIGraingerMiniseries, 2 episodes
1991All Together NowMr Reid1 episode
1991Boys from the BushBruce1 episode
1992Acropolis NowKevin1 episode
1992The AftermathTV movie
1993Law of the LandRay Richmond1 episode
1993SnowyLes Tremain4 episodes
1993Mercy Mission: The Rescue of Flight 771First Officer Russ MannTV movie
1993–1994R.F.D.S.Evelyn Whaley7 episodes
1994–2006Blue HeelersMick Pearce O'Connor / Davies Davidson / Charles Fenwick3 episodes
1996NeighboursMick Anderson5 episodes
1997Good Guys, Bad GuysFrank Little1 episode
1997Get a LifeKen Fleiss
1998Driven CrazyTom1 episode
1998Blabbermouth & StickybeakKenny BattsTV movie
2000StingersSimon Hall1 episode
2000–2001Something in the AirSgt. Geoff Collins / Clive9 episodes
2002Short CutsSophie's Dad1 episode
2007Bastard BoysPeter ReithMiniseries
2007City HomicideDavid Statesman1 episode
2008UnderbellyDetective LoweMiniseries, 1 episode
2011Killing TimeJudge Colti1 episode
2012Howzat! Kerry Packer's WarDoug InsoleMiniseries, 2 episodes
2013The Doctor Blake MysteriesCharles Griffith1 episode
2014Fat Tony & Co.Judge / Justice GillardMiniseries, 2 episodes
2015WentworthRoland Henderson1 episode

Theatre

=As actor=

class=wikitable

! Year

! Title

! Role

! Notes

1981NightshiftMusician in ResidenceRusden State College, Melbourne
1982SkidsMelbourne Comedy Cafe
1984Odyssey of a ProstituteCount Coolgardie / Henri Suave / Zeek / JudgeChurch Theatre, Melbourne with Australian Contemporary Theatre Company
1984Unsuitable for AdultsStudio Theatre, Melbourne with Playbox Theatre Company
1985Cyrano de BergeracBellerose / Gascon CadetPlayhouse, Melbourne with MTC
1985Victoria BitterLord Melbourne / Chairman / Judge / Gossip / Narrator / Palmer / Dying Man / George / Alastair the Thug / Masters of CeremoniesPlayhouse, Melbourne with MTC
1985The Sentimental BlokeGinger MickPlayhouse, Melbourne with MTC
1986Nothing Like a DameKinselas, Sydney
1987–1988Sweeney ToddBirdsellerPlayhouse, Melbourne, Riverstage, Brisbane, Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney with MTC
1988Summer of the Seventeenth DollRooAustralian Nouveau Theatre, Melbourne, Singapore
1989Joan of Arc at the StakeMelbourne Concert Hall with MTC & Victorian State Opera
1988MolièreOne EyeKey Studios, Melbourne with Australian Nouveau Theatre for Spoleto Melbourne Festival of the Arts
1989; 1991A Royal Commission into the Australian EconomyPolice Auditorium, Melbourne, Universal Theatre, Melbourne for MICF
1990SirenPaulMelbourne Athenaeum, Lyric Theatre, Brisbane, Canberra Theatre with Australian Shakespeare Company
1990Alice's Adventures in WonderlandDodo / Caterpillar / March HareWerribee Mansion Gardens with Australian Shakespeare Company
1990A Hard Act to FollowMICF
1990The AdmanEric SterlingPlaybox Theatre, Melbourne
1991The Gigolo from the CongoLa Mama, Melbourne, Universal Two, Melbourne
1992Naso BelloNaso BrutoVictorian Arts Centre
1992–1993Twelfth NightMalvolioAdelaide Botanic Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Adelaide Festival of Arts with Australian Shakespeare Company
1993–1995BlabbermouthKenny BattsRussell Street Theatre, Melbourne with MTC
1994AmadeusVon Strack / Citizen of Vienna / Salieri understudyMelbourne Athenaeum with Griffin Entertainment
1995Good WorksBrother Clement / Barry / Alan / Mr DonovanMalthouse Theatre, Melbourne, Monash University, Melbourne with Playbox Theatre Company
1996Snow White & the Seven DwarfsThe JockeyMelbourne Concert Hall with Magpie Theatre Company
1996Red Riding HoodThe WolfMelbourne Concert Hall with Magpie Theatre Company
1997The HobbitGandalfCanberra Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Victorian Arts Centre, Monash University, Melbourne
1998Bodysongs – the Fatman tourThe FatmanTheatre Works, Melbourne
1998–1999Much Ado About NothingAntonio / FriarEHJ Productions
2000The DamCarlton Courthouse, Melbourne
2000Wind in the WillowsBadger
2001Romeo and JulietCapulet
2001Go in TightDickinsLa Mama, Melbourne
2002Twelfth NightMalvolioRoyal Botanic Gardens Melbourne with Australian Shakespeare Company
2003Dirty LaundryLennyCarlton Courthouse, Melbourne with La Mama
2004The CampaignMichael MurphyCarlton Courthouse, Melbourne with La Mama, Melbourne with MICF
2005The Trial of Adolf EichmannGeneral HeydrichCourthouse Theatre, Melbourne
2006Dizney on Dry IceNedCarlton Courthouse, Melbourne with La Mama for MICF
2006Mrs Petrov's ShoeVarious charactersFortyfivedownstairs, Melbourne with theatre@risk
2006The ReunionThe Admiral
2007Sideshow AlleyTiny McKenziePlayhouse, Brisbane
2008Richard III UnhingedHastingsMelbourne Athenaeum with Australian Shakespeare Company
2008The DinnerFairfax Studio, Melbourne for Short+Sweet
2009AvaTära – The OperaSpace 28, Melbourne with Malthouse Theatre & The Opera Project
2010Lawyers, Drugs and MoneyAlan ClowesCarlton Courthouse, Melbourne with La Mama for MICF
2010MelBornCarlton Courthouse, Melbourne with La Mama & Melbourne Writers' Theatre
2010Love Your PoisonMickCarlton Courthouse, Melbourne with La Mama & Melbourne Writers' Theatre
2010SquizzyTrades Hall, Melbourne with Australian Shakespeare Company & Think Big Productions
2011KismetJawan, the Master BrigandState Theatre, Melbourne with The Production Company & The Arts Centre
2014Guys and DollsBig JuleState Theatre, Melbourne with The Production Company & The Arts Centre
2014–2015Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on StageMax KellermanSydney Lyric Theatre, Princess Theatre, Melbourne, Lyric Theatre, Brisbane, Crown Theatre, Perth, Adelaide Festival Centre with The Gordon Frost Organisation
2016Singin' in the RainR.F. SimpsonHer Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne, Sydney Lyric Theatre, Lyric Theatre, Brisbane
2019–2022Harry Potter and the Cursed ChildUnderstudy for Amos Diggory, Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, Vernon Dursley and Tom RiddlePrincess Theatre, Melbourne

=As director=

class=wikitable

! Year

! Title

! Role

! Notes

1982Hoopla – Opposite WavesDirectorRusden State College, Melbourne
1983Hell on EarthDirectorRusden State College, Melbourne
1984Good Things Come in GlassSupervisorRusden State College, Melbourne
1992LillianDirector / PlaywrightUSQ Concert Hall, Toowoomba
1993The Wind in the WillowsDirectorRoyal Botanic Garden, Sydney, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne with Australian Shakespeare Company
1994See You in HeavenDirectorCarlton Courthouse, Melbourne with Chiron Productions
1995A Midsummer Night's DreamDirectorAdelaide Botanic Garden with Australian Shakespeare Company
1996From Figaro to Phantom IIConsultantMelbourne Town Hall for MICF
1996Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!Director / DramaturgeMonash University, Melbourne & VIC regional tour
1996Snow White and Little Red Riding HoodDirectorMelbourne Concert Hall with Magpie Theatre Company
2002–2003Dr. CadeDirectorLa Mama, Melbourne for Melbourne Fringe Festival, Beckett Theatre, Melbourne, Stables Theatre, Sydney
2004Personality GamesDirectorWharf Theatre, Sydney, La Mama, Melbourne
2007TopoDirectorSeymour Centre, Sydney
2007The Devil in MeDirectorCarlton Courthouse, Melbourne with La Mama
2009The Show Must Go OnDirectorCarlton Courthouse, Melbourne with La Mama

{{cite web|url= https://cdn.showcast.com.au/actor-pdfs/a1626d53-063b-4d52-b4f6-fa7eb2e07e10.PDF |title= Mike Bishop |publisher= Showcast}}

References

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