Hundreds farewell Charles 'Bud' Tingwell

Hundreds of friends, family members and fans packed Melbourne's St Paul's Cathedral on Wednesday May 21, 2009 for the state funeral to farewell legendary actor Charles 'Bud' Tingwell, who passed away at the age of 86.

The eulogies focussed as much on his war record as his acting career.

"People asked what was it like to have a famous actor for a father,"  said his son Dr  Christopher Tingwell.

"I was prouder of him being a Spitfire pilot ... that fitted the bill more of a hero."

Tingwell's daughter Virginia told today's gathering that her father died as he lived - loving and being loved by the family and friends he adored.

She also joked that his all-time favourite show was Sex And The City.

"Dad discovered it by accident a few years ago ... and was immediately hooked," she laughed.
 

His death has touched many Australians.

From his official web-site.

“Bud was a true Australian icon. I’ve seen him in countless things, and his spirit and pride has always made me admire him, knowing what you see is what you get. A great loss that the nation will never forget.”

“A man of great talent, balanced with true humility. He added class and credibility to any production, and he inspired so many in the entertainment industry. And he was in Charlie The Wonder Dog!!! A great man. "

“I will never forget his role in The Castle and in particular that scene in the court about the meaning and value of a real home. It touched my heart and I am sure many other Australians.”

"The Angels will be entertained."

Born in Coogee, NSW, in 1923, Charles 'Bud' Tingwell began his radio career while still at school.

Joining the Royal Australian Air Force in 1941, he served as a reconnaissance pilot over Nazi-occupied north Africa and southern Europe.
Interestingly, his film career began with his first speaking role in Smithy (1946), a bio-pic about aviator Charles Kingsford Smith.
He is well remembered for his roles in classic Australian films Breaker Morant, The Castle and TV cop show.
Hollywood beckoned in 1952 to work alongside Richard Burton, Chips Rafferty and James Mason on The Desert Rats.
Between 1956 and 1973, Bud Tingwell built a successful film and television career in England.
Returning to Australia with his wife and family, he played the role of Inspector Reg Lawson in iconic Australian TV cop show Homicide.
He went on to have roles in Australian films and TV shows including Breaker Morant, The Castle, All The Rivers Run, Neighbours, Puberty Blues, The Flying Doctors and All Saints, with his most recent appearances being small roles in The Craic, The Dish, Changi and Bed Of Roses.
In 1999 he was awarded the AM (Member of the Order of Australia) for his services to the performing arts as an actor, director, producer, and to the community. He joined the Gold Logie Hall of Fame in 1994.
Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell will be remembered fondly in both professional and community arts circles. Generous with his time, knowledge, and experience, he was patron of the Victorian Drama League, and in 2008 was keynote speaker and tutor at the NSW Association of Community Theatre’s conference at NIDA.
Tingwell’s son Christopher and daughter, Virginia, an actress, were at his bedside. His wife Audrey died in 1996.

Updated May 20, 2009