Peter Adams (actor)

Peter Adams
Born
Peter John Adams

(1938-05-18)18 May 1938
Taumarunui, New Zealand
Died13 December 1999(1999-12-13) (aged 61)
Melbourne, Australia
OccupationActor
Years active1948[1]–1998
Known for
Spouse
​
(m. 1968)​

Peter John Adams (18 May 1938 – 13 December 1999) was a New Zealand-born actor, who started his career in his native country, before emigrating to Australia, where he became best known for his performances in television soap operas and serials, although he also worked in theatre and radio.

Early life

Born in Taumarunui, King Country, North Island, New Zealand,[2][3] Adams was the son of a Church of England clergyman.[1]

Career

Adams began his acting career in his native New Zealand, and first came to the attention of critics in 1948, for his singing voice.[1] In 1954, he performed in a production of The Mikado at Kings College.[1] In 1958, he began a two year run with the New Zealand Players Company, with performances including The Importance of Being Earnest, The Long, The Short and The Tall, What Every Woman Knows, The Corn Is Green and A Streetcar Named Desire.[1]

He emigrated to Australia in 1960,[4] and undertook club work and television roles, before joining the Shakespeare Company of John Alden, where he performed in Othello, Macbeth and The Merchant of Venice and Lock Up Your Daughters.[1]

Two years later, he toured New Zealand in Woman in a Dressing Gown, after which he secured a role as an announcer for New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation for two years.[1]

When he returned to Australia, he appeared in stage productions of Instant Marriage, Robin Hood and Sweet Charity.[1]

Adams appeared in The Actor Who Laughed at Sydney's Community Theatre (now Marian Street Theatre). The evening of opening night, Sydney was hit by torrential rain, causing the city to grind to a halt. As the actors set out for the theatre in Killara, most were stranded, including Adams who was stuck in a train in the Wynyard tunnel. In desperation he jumped off and dangerously ran back along the tracks to the station. When all the cast eventually arrived, the audience were given a choice of either starting the performance at the late hour, or returning the next night – and chose the latter.[5]

Adams appeared in the Australian soap opera Number 96 as Andy Marshall from 1974 to 1975 and had a five-week stint in medical soap opera The Young Doctors as comedian, Clarrie Baker in 1977.

His defining role came in 1977 when he was cast as Detective Jeff 'JJ' Johnson, a lead in the police procedural series Cop Shop. The character became a hit with audiences, winning Adams several Logie Awards. In 1980, he won Best Lead Actor in a Series and in 1981, the Silver Logie for Most Popular Actor.[6][7] He left the series for a role in musical theatre, but later returned, staying until the series was cancelled in December 1983.[8]

Adams appeared in Prisoner as the tough Acting Governor Bob Moran, for three months in 1986. It was his first long-running television role since leaving Cop Shop.[9] He also formed his own production company TBM Productions.[9] In 1994, he appeared in the television movie Halifax f.p. – The Feeding with Rebecca Gibney.[10]

While predominantly known for his television roles, Adams also continued to work in theatre. In 1985, he toured Victoria appearing in Warwick Moss' two-man play Down an Alley Filled with Cats. In 1995, he directed the 1995 Geelong Lyric Theatre Society production of Les Misérables.[11] In 1987, he appeared in the Darwin Theatre Company production of Trumpets and Raspberries.[12]

Adams had his own radio show on Melbourne's 3AW for 18 months.[9][13]

Personal life and death

Adams met his first wife, Mary in New Zealand, with whom he returned to Australia after a two year stint working for NZBC.[1]

Adams was married to actress Kirsty Child. They met while starring in stage productions of Out of the Crocodile, Arms and the Man and Gaslight at the Community Theatre in Sydney.[5][2] Both Adams and Child appeared in Prisoner and missed working with each other by a matter of days, as she finished up just as he started his 13-week stint.[9]

Adams died from cancer, aged 61, on 13 December 1999.[2]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1973Come Out FightingGarry DayFeature film
1989Blowing Hot and ColdJack PhillipsFeature film

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1955Alfred Hitchcock PresentsTim GradySeason 1, episode 6: "Salvage"
1961The OutcastsMiniseries, 1 episode
1963Flowering CherryTV play
1969RiptideReporter / John Barrow2 episodes
1970Skippy the Bush KangarooJo Bently1 episode
DeltaBartlett1 episode
Barrier ReefKenneth Norris1 episode
1971DynastyMatt Dawson1 episode
1965–1973HomicideMike Evans / Tony Davis / Dr Cousins / Detective / Charlie Stevens / Gary Lloyd / Charlie Sampson7 episodes
1970–1974Division 4Ken Harris / Clive Collins / Harry Jones / Kenneth O'Connell / Hinton / Ernie Callan / Arthur Bull7 episodes
1974–1975Number 96Andy Marshall68 episodes
1976The Lost IslandsPilot Jimmy Williams1 episode
Moynihan1 episode
King's Men1 episode
1977BlueyAlex 'Kanga' Murray1 episode
The AlternativeNoel DenningTV movie
The Young DoctorsClarrie Baker16 episodes
Bobby DazzlerArthur Carroll1 episode
Hotel Story1 episode
Say You Want MeTV movie
1977–1984Cop ShopDetective Jeff 'J.J.' Johnson493 episodes
1978A Good Thing GoingDaveTV movie
1981BellamyDonaldMiniseries, 1 episode
1985The Fast LanePrice1 episode
1986Handle with CareGeoffTV movie
PrisonerActing Governor Bob Moran26 episodes
Darwin, 1942: Australia's Greatest Shamea John Barry, KCTV movie
1987NeighboursStephen Armstrong4 episodes
1988AustraliansMr DuttonMiniseries, 1 episode: "Lottie Lyell"
1989Mission: ImpossibleBrian Sean McCarron1 episode
1994–1989A Country PracticeTed Kagen / Alan Lang4 episodes
1991The Flying DoctorsArtie Blake1 episode
1994Halifax f.p. – The FeedingPeter O'HareTV movie
1996The TerritoriansSarge KennedyTV movie
1997MedivacJudge Benson2 episodes
1998GargantuaDr HaleTV movie

Theatre

As actor

Year Title Role Notes
1954The MikadoKing's College, Auckland[1]
1958–1959The Importance of Being EarnestLaneHis Majesty's Theatre, Auckland, Wellington Opera House with New Zealand Players[1][14]
1959The Long, The Short and The TallHis Majesty's Theatre, Auckland with New Zealand Players[1]
What Every Woman KnowsHis Majesty's Theatre, Dunedin, His Majesty's Theatre, Auckland, Wellington Opera House with New Zealand Players[1]
c.1959The Corn Is GreenNew Zealand Players[1]
c.1959A Streetcar Named DesireStanley KowalskiNew Zealand Players[1][4][15]
Death of a Salesman[4][15]
The Norman ConquestsTom[4][15]
1961The Merchant of VeniceCremorne Orpheum, Sydney, Elizabethan Theatre, Sydney, Conservatorium, Sydney with John Alden Shakespeare Company[1]
Othello
Macbeth
Lock Up Your DaughtersPalace Theatre, Sydney with John Alden Shakespeare Company[1]
1962The Miracle WorkerJames KellerComedy Theatre, Melbourne with J. C. Williamson's[16]
1963Woman in a Dressing GownWillieComedy Theatre, Melbourne, Australia & NZ tour[1][17]
1965Instant MarriageTivoli Theatre, Melbourne, Tivoli Theatre, Sydney[1]
1965–1966Robin HoodTivoli Theatre, Sydney[1][18]
1966A Phoenix Too FrequentThe LandlordSt Martins Theatre, Melbourne[19]
A Bunch of RatbagsSlaughtermanEmerald Hill Theatre, Sydney[20]
1967Sweet CharityOscar LindquistHer Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne, Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide with J. C. Williamson's[21][22]
The Birthday PartyGoldbergSt Martins Theatre Company, Melbourne[23]
c.1967Bye Bye BirdieAlbertMenzies, Sydney[15][24]
1968Relatively SpeakingGregPrincess Theatre, Melbourne[25] & Australian tour[4][24]
1969A Day in the Death of Joe EggBriOld Tote Theatre, Sydney[26]
Out of the CrocodileCommunity Theatre, Sydney[5][15]
Arms and the ManBluntschli
Richard IIIKing Richard
GaslightManningham
1969–1970Man of La ManchaDon Quixote (Cervantes) (standby)Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne with J. C. Williamson's[27]
1971Man of La ManchaDr. Carrasco
1972Danton's DeathRussell St Theatre, Melbourne, with MTC[15]
The Chocolate FrogRussell St Theatre, Melbourne, with MTC[15]
A Touch of the PoetMTC[15]
1973Jugglers ThreePlayhouse, Canberra, UNSW Parade Theatre, Sydney with MTC[15]
1981Same Time, Next YearGeorgeAlexander Theatre, Melbourne with Playbox Theatre Company & TAS/QLD tour[28]
1984The RemovalistsPolice SergeantMalthouse Theatre, Melbourne with Playbox Theatre Company[4][29]
1985Down an Alley Filled with CatsLead roleMonash University, Melbourne,[30] VIC regional tour[4] & interstate tour[15]
1985–1986Guys and DollsNathan DetroitAustralian national tour[4][31][13]
1986The Odd CoupleOscar MadisonSt George Leagues Club, Kogarah[4][15][32]
1987A Chorus of DisapprovalSuncorp Theatre, Brisbane with Queensland Theatre[4]
What the Butler SawDr PrenticeSydney Opera House with Gary Penny Productions[4][33]
Trumpets and RaspberriesState Theatre Company of Northern Territory[12]
The Clubwith Gateway Productions[34]
1988A Small Family BusinessNorthside Theatre[15][35]
1989Educating RitaFrank BryantPhillip St Theatre, Sydney,[15] Alexander Theatre, Melbourne[36] with Gateway Productions[34]
1990The Blessed FountainRegal Theatre, Perth
1991GaslightRoughTheatre of Comedy[15]
1992Diving for PearlsRonSpace Theatre, Adelaide with STCSA[37][38][39]
No Going BackKarl / BunceRussell St Theatre, Melbourne, with MTC[15][40]
1993Brilliant LiesVincePlayhouse, Adelaide with QTC / STCSA & Playhouse, Melbourne with MTC[41][37]
Forget-Me-Not LaneMTC[15]
1996My Father's FatherKarlFairfax Studio, Melbourne with MTC[15][42]
1997The Comedy of ErrorsSolinusPlayhouse, Melbourne with MTC[43]
1999Witness (reading)Jewish Holocaust Museum, Melbourne[44]
In Duty BoundGateway Productions

As director

Year Title Role Notes
1963Woman in a Dressing GownAssistant Stage ManagerComedy Theatre, Melbourne[17]
1989Educating RitaDirector[15]
The Freedom of the CityDirectorAustralian national tour with Gateway Productions[15]
1990The ClubDirectorSt Martins Youth Theatre, Melbourne[15]
1995Les MisérablesDirectorGeelong Lyric Theatre Society[11]

Awards and nominations

Year Work Award Category Result
1977The AlternativePenguin AwardsBest ActorWon[45]
1978Cop ShopLogie AwardsBest Performance by an Actor in a Supporting RoleWon[46]
1979Penguin AwardsBest Sustained Performance by an ActorWon[46]
1980Logie AwardsBest Lead Actor in a SeriesWon[46]
Silver Logie for Most Popular ActorWon[46]
Sammy AwardsBest Actor in a TV seriesWon[46]
1981Penguin AwardsBest Sustained Performance by a SeriesCommendation[46]
1986Guys and DollsGreen Room AwardsBest Male Lead in a MusicalWon[15]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 "Guys and Dolls". Theatregold. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 "Cop Shop star, 61, dies of cancer". The Daily Telegraph. 14 December 1999.
  3. ↑ "Vic: Former Cop Shop colleagues pay tribute to Adams". AAP General News. AAP Information Services Pty Limited. 13 December 1999.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "What the Butler Saw". Theatregold. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
  5. 1 2 3 "Alexander Archdale and the Community Theatre". Theatre Heritage Australia. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  6. ↑ "1980 TV WEEK Logie Awards". Archived from the original on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 28 September 2011.
  7. ↑ "1981 TV WEEK Logie Awards". Archived from the original on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 28 September 2011.
  8. ↑ MacKay, Don (28 December 1999). "Actor a hit on stage and TV". The Australian.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Zachariah, Amanda (5 October 1985). "Peter cops a new beat". TV Week. p. 33.
  10. ↑ "Halifax, fp – The Feeding (1994)". users.on.net. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  11. 1 2 "Geelong Lyric Theatre Society". Archived from the original on 20 June 2014. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  12. 1 2 "Darwin Theatre Company – History". Archived from the original on 10 April 2011. Retrieved 28 September 2011.
  13. 1 2 "Guys and Dolls". Theatregold. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  14. ↑ "The Importance of Being Earnest". Gisborne Photo News. 30 April 1959.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 "My Father's Father". Theatregold. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  16. ↑ "Miracle Worker, The (1962)". Theatre Heritage Australia. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  17. 1 2 "Miracle Worker, The Woman in a Dressing Gown". Theatre Heritage Australia. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  18. ↑ "Prisoner Cell Block H cast in panto mini feature". www.pantoarchive.com. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  19. ↑ "A Phoenix Too Frequent". Theatregold. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  20. ↑ "A Tribute to Don Battye (1938-2016)". Theatregold. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  21. ↑ "Sweet Charity". www.abouttheartists.com. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  22. ↑ "Sweet Charity". Theatregold. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  23. ↑ "The Birthday Party". Theatregold. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  24. 1 2 "Relatively Speaking". Theatre Heritage Australia. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  25. ↑ "Relatively Speaking". Theatregold. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  26. ↑ "The Arts and Entertainment". National Library of Australia. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  27. ↑ "Man of La Mancha". www.theatreheritage.org.au. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  28. ↑ "Same Time, Next Year". Malthouse Theatre. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  29. ↑ "The Removalists". Malthouse Theatre. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  30. ↑ "Sound" (PDF). Monash University. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  31. ↑ "Guys and Dolls". www.murraybramwell.com. 17 January 1986.
  32. ↑ "Tony Randall raises the roof with a fast-witted portrayal" (PDF). Sydney Morning Herald. 9 March 1986.
  33. ↑ "Adding Spice to the Bedroom Farce" (PDF). Trust News. November 1987.
  34. 1 2 "Fifty years of Scopus talent". The Australian Jewish News. Vol. 65, no. 46. 13 August 1999. p. 14 – via Monash Collections.
  35. ↑ "A Small Family Business" (PDF). The Trust. November 1988.
  36. ↑ "Katy Manning and Peter Adams in 'Educating Rita' as Rita and Frank". Monash Collections. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  37. 1 2 "Brilliant Lies for MTC". Theatregold. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  38. ↑ "Guide to the State Theatre Company of South Australia: programs and related material collected by the National Library of Australia". National Library of Australia. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  39. ↑ "ONDIT – Adelaide University Students' Association Weekly". University of Adelaide. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
  40. ↑ "No Going Back". Theatregold. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  41. ↑ "Brilliant Lies for QTC/STCSA". Theatregold. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  42. ↑ "My Father's Father". University of Melbourne Archives. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  43. ↑ "The Comedy of Errors". Theatregold. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
  44. ↑ "Witness Play Reading". The Australian Jewish News. 16 April 1999.
  45. ↑ "TV's Penguin Awards". The Canberra Times. 7 November 1977 – via National Library of Australia.
  46. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Awards". Crawford Productions. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
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