Robert Helpmann

Helpmann in about 1945

Sir Robert Helpmann CBE (9 April 1909 – 28 September 1986) was an Australian dancer, actor, theatre director and choreographer. He was born in Mount Gambier, South Australia. Helpmann was known for his role as the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Helpmann died on 28 September 1986 in Sydney from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, aged 77. He was given a state funeral.[1]

In 1964, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).[2] In 1965, he was named Australian of the Year,[3] and in 1968, he was made a Knight Bachelor.[4]

Robert Helpmann Media

References

  1. Robert Hawke (29 September 1986). "State Funeral for Sir Robert Helpmann". Transcripts from the Prime Ministers of Australia.
  2. "It's an Honour: CBE". Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2019-02-13.
  3. Lewis, Wendy (2010). Australians of the Year. Pier 9 Press. ISBN 978-1-74196-809-5.
  4. "It's an Honour: Knight Bachelor". Archived from the original on 2014-03-30. Retrieved 2019-02-13.