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Gerry Skilton - Actor

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Gerry Skilton was born and raised in Australia where he homed his skills as both an actor and a poker player. His filmography spans over three decades where he most famously starred in the 1986 box office smash "Crocodile Dundee". His character Nugget O'Cass, was famed for his cheeky & instantly recognisable grin and his onscreen antics with co star Steve Rackman aka "Donk".

Gerry Skilton's own words....

Gerry was born in Georgetown Queensland and raised in Outback Australia. His father William was born in Essex England and migrated to Australia. Born in 1958 Gerry was the baby of 13 brothers and sisters. Eager to take his place in the world, Gerry was born 7 weeks premature and spent many months in a shoe box padded with cotton wool which fashioned his cot. The shoebox was kept near an old wood burning stove so the temperature around him would be as consistent as possible in those days.

Gerry lost his father at the age of 12. He left school at the age 13 and knocked around the outback until the age of 17. He joined the Army and became a tank driver. At age 20 he had already had a disastrous attempt at married life and found himself trying to raise a beautiful baby daughter by himself. He and his baby daughter headed for the city of Sydney where he met and befriended a group of Actors living in the same building. It was Sydney also where he met and fell in love with Tracey. Having a very Aussie face and personality he was quickly persuaded to join the groups Acting Agency as an extra. There was a great deal of film activity at the time which suited his typical Aussie look.

He got his first Job in the industry on a commercial, which paid a huge $40 for the day. The extra money was a real bonus so he put his hand up for more work if it was available. After a year or so of working on anything anywhere, he was offered an opportunity that just came out of left field. Gerry was asked to audition for an upcoming movie called Crocodile Dundee. Heading into the audition he was the 450th person to go for the part of "Nugget". Paul Hogan was looking for some-one unknown and shorter than he was. (Quote) Entering the audition room Hoges welcomed me, I promptly replied "G'day bloke", Hoges cracked a smile and started laughing. Not only was I from the bush, unknown and shorter than he was, I guess I spoke like the character he had in mind. (end Q) The part of Nugget was handed over.

This lead to roles in many movies, mini-series and TV productions, including Crocodile Dundee 2 and 3. His life took another unexpected twist and Gerry found himself on the outer of an industry he loves. When questioned on the subject more, Gerry smiled and explained (quote) doesn't matter what industry you work in, those with the money and power can be cold and self important. We have a daughter who has special needs and I was forced to make a decision either to stay in Sydney and continue with my career or move away and give my little girl a chance and the care she needed. Well my career went from the pent-house to the shit-house in a heartbeat. (end Q) Gerry was also to discover that he was the baby of 22 children and not 13.

Now, with a career spanning over 24 years, Gerry is trying to make a transition to the other side of the Camera.

Gerry and his wife Tracey are nearing 30 yrs of marriage and have three beautiful daughters, Cherie, Rebecca and Amy. Poker is a favourite pastime for both Tracey and Gerry whether it be online or at a live events. Gerry has been playing poker for about two years and considers himself as a tight aggressive loose fish in a schizophrenic game that must have been invented by a thespian; it's played by intelligent people who make silly decisions. How else could you love and hate a game at the same time!