Gordon Piper

Gordon Piper was a versatile and talented Australian performer who worked in various fields of the entertainment industry, including radio, stage, television and film. He was born on a dairy farm in Cheltenham, New South Wales, on 3 June 1932. He began his career as a boy soprano with the Sydney Boys' Choir and later appeared in radio plays and variety shows. He also worked as a television extra before pursuing a theatre career in the 1970s. He starred in several plays, such as Dimboola, and also directed and wrote scripts for theatre productions. He was a founding member of P.A.C.T. (Producers, Actors, Composers and Talents), one of the best-known actors' studios in Sydney. Piper's most famous role was that of plumber Robert "Bob" Hatfield in the popular soap opera A Country Practice, which he played from 1981 to 1992. He became one of the longest-serving actors in an Australian drama series and won the hearts of many viewers with his comedic and lovable character. He also appeared in other television shows, such as Homicide, Boney, Spyforce, and Hector's Bunyip. He also had roles in films, such as My Brilliant Career and The Dark Room. Piper was married to Judith Ann Price, who died in 1981. He dedicated an episode of A Country Practice to her memory. He had two children, Kerrin-Gai and Kim Piper, who both live in Australia. He also served as the associate director of the Arts Council of New South Wales and was involved in the Henry Lawson Theatre as a guest director. Piper suffered from diabetes and had to have both his legs amputated in 1997. He retired from acting and lived a quiet life at his home in Penrith. He died on 18 September 2004 at the age of 72. He was remembered as a warm-hearted and generous person who brought joy and laughter to many people through his work.