An Australian film actor, director, and writer, born in New South Wales, Australia. He worked as a tire repairman to pay for his education at the National Art School in Sydney but was expelled. After being expelled, he co-wrote, produced, edited, and directed his first film at the age of 21, Coaltown, with the help of the Australian Film Institute in 1977, the film explores the social and political history of coal mining. He then began writing, directing, and performing in comedies. He also directed several works, the most important of which are the movies Mr. Accident (2000), Reckless Kelly (1993), and Young Einstein (1988).