Peter Sumner, Australian actor, Died at 74

  Actor

Peter Sumner was born on January 29, 1942, in Sydney, Australia, and his death was announced on November 23, 2016.

He was an Australian actor, director, and writer.

Peter was born Peter Sumner-Potts .

Summner’s credits include parts in such films as Color Me Dead (1969), Ned Kelly (1970), The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (1978), The Survivor (1981) and Bush Christmas (1983), as well as a starring role in television series Spyforce along with his portrayal of Bill Hayden in The Dismissal.

During a 1978 interview for the Sir Joseph Banks High School newspaper, Peter revealed that he was not credited for off stage, controlling the Dianoga Monster (garbage compactor monster) in Star Wars, as well as playing the role of Lieutenant Pol Treidum in that film.

He played Arnie in the first series of the British science fiction drama television series Jeopardy in 2002, filmed in Australia.

His other local television acting work included regular roles as Bruce Jefferson in Tickled Pink (1978-81), Phillip Seymour in All the Way (1988), Reverend Green in Cluedo (1992), and Les Bailey in Heartbreak High (1997-99), along with numerous guest roles in series including Homicide, Division 4, Matlock Police, Boney, The Sullivans, Cop Shop, Neighbours, and Home and Away.

He was a follower of Meher Baba and directed a TV documentary, Baba’s Birthday, shot in India, produced by Sensory Image, with music by Pete Townshend.

That documentary follows Sumner’s son, Luke Sumner, as he journeys to India in search of spiritual meaning.

Peter Sumner was a high school teacher before he started acting.

Sumner was divorced from fellow actor Lynda Stoner.

Together, they have a son named Luke.

He also served a stint as a presenter on Play School, mainly acting as a stand-in if John Hamblin was doing other work or on holiday.

Peter Sumner passed away at 74 years old.