Alister Smart

Actor

Smart was born Adelaide, Australia and after appearing in a production of Dragon's Mouth travelled to England and starting his career in theatre in 1953, in French playwright Jean Cocteau's L'Aigle à deux têtes (The Eagle with Two Heads), at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, and appeared in production's like Winter's Journey and Three Sisters

After returning to Australia he appeared in a production of Shakespeare's Macbeth and Jean Anouilhs The Lark.

In 1960, Smart returned to the United Kingdom and appeared in theatre roles in Filumena Marturano at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry and the James Bridie written Mr. Bolfrey, performing and touring with England's only theatre on wheels, the Century Theatre Company based in Leicester, whilst he expanded his career to television in England, where we appeared in televised plays and series, including comedy The Seven Faces of Jim and featuring in anthology teleplay series including ITV Play of the Week and Comedy Playhouse and dramas like Emergency Ward 10

An early television role for Smart when returning back to Australia was the 1963 teleplay The Right Thing, the ABC’s first TV drama co-production with an international company, in which he played the role of visiting Spaniard, Jose.

Smart returned to Australia in 1963 and featured in a theatre production of King Henry VI in 1964 and toured in Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf in 1965 and recreated his role in Henrik Ibsen's Three Sisters in 1966.

He appeared in guest roles in soap operas and made for-television movies, including 1966's The House for anthology serial Australian Playhouse, playing the role of an abusive husband, opposite Nancye Stewart. In 1969, he appeared in the film It Takes All Kinds, playing the role of Ray.

Smart had a prominent role as a new character, journalist Duncan Hunter, in the film adaptation of primetime soap opera Number 96. He later appeared in the series the film was based on, playing Frank Hobson, in 1976. The following year, he had a role in the TV movie Roses Bloom Twice and in 1978, he played the role of Stewart in Plunge Into Darkness.

His other Australian television credits included Riptide, Skippy, The Sullivans, Glenview High, Barrier Reef, Cop Shop and Rafferty's Rules.

Television director

Smart pursued a career in directing both movies and television series from the early 1970s until his retirement in 1994. His directorial work included notable projects such as the 1975 ABC series sitcom Scattergood: Friend of All, and drama series A Country Practice. He also directed the 1992 made-for-TV family films The Time Game and You and Me and Uncle Bob.

He is best known however for directing the popular 1980s drama series Sons and Daughters, over some 88 episodes.

Other later directing credits included episodes of Richmond Hill, Prisoner, Cop Shop, Rafferty's Rules, E Street, Neighbours and Blue Heelers.

Television presenter

Smart is known for his role as a presenter on the long-running children's TV program Play School, the Australian adaptation of the original British version of the same title. He made his first appearance in the debut episode in 1966, and continued in this role for 27 years until he retired in 1993. It was one of the longest stints on television in Australia. During his tenure, he co-hosted alongside Lorraine Bayly (1966-1978), Anne Haddy (1966-1969), Donald Mcdonald, Kerry Francis, Don Spencer, Benita Collings, John Hamblin, Noni Hazlehurst, John Waters, Philip Quast and during the first year, Diane Dorgan.

Smart was also recognised for his appearances with fellow Play School hosts, including Don Spencer on tie-in records released for ABC Music, as well as in audiobooks.

Smart grew up in Nowra, New South Wales and was married to British actress Margery Milne, whom he meet during the early 1960s when they appeared together in a play in Leicester.

In his later years, he resided in East Gippsland, Victoria.

Film

Television

Theatre

Television