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Antony Hamilton
Antony Hamilton
Antony Hamilton
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Antony Hamilton Smith (4 May 1952 – 29 March 1995) was an English-Australian actor, model and dancer. Hamilton began his career as a ballet dancer with The Australian Ballet before becoming a model. He later transitioned into acting and won his first notable role in the 1984 television film Samson and Delilah. That same year, he took over the male lead role in the series Cover Up after the death of the series' former lead actor, Jon-Erik Hexum. One of Hamilton's best-known roles was that of Max Harte, an agent in the 1988 revival of Mission: Impossible.

Key Information

In March 1995, Hamilton died of AIDS-related pneumonia at the age of 42.

Early life

[edit]

Hamilton was born in Liverpool, England and was orphaned when he was two weeks old. He was adopted by Donald Smith and his wife Margaret as a baby and named Antony Hamilton Smith. His adoptive father was a highly-decorated Australian former fighter pilot who fought in World War II and commanded No. 453 Squadron RAAF. His adoptive mother was an English nurse.[1][2][3]

When he was three years old, his father retired to South Australia, where Hamilton grew up on a 640-acre sheep farm.[1][2][3] From age 10 he attended Scotch College in Adelaide,[4] where he studied dance and ballet and played Australian rules football, cricket, basketball and other sports.[1]

At the age of 15, he won a scholarship at the Australian Ballet School. After leaving school, he began a career as a professional dancer with The Australian Ballet Company where he toured Europe and the Soviet Union for two years.[3][5]

Career

[edit]

Modelling

[edit]

In 1973, during a dance tour in Europe with The Australian Ballet, he was discovered by Vladimir Bliokh, a world-famous Russian global photojournalist and premier performing-arts photographer. Hamilton stopped dancing at the age of 21 and decided to pursue a career as a model. Hamilton later said, "Dancing was too confining and regimented for me. [...] I became a model not because I was interested in fashion or styles, but because I knew it was a good way to see the world. [...] It gave me independence. [..] The money was good too."[3][6]

After signing with a London modelling agency,[2] he worked extensively as a model in Europe, America, Asia and Africa, becoming a favourite subject of world-famous photographers as Richard Avedon and Bruce Weber, often working with designers such as Gianni Versace, and frequently appearing in magazines such as Vogue and GQ.

Acting

[edit]

While modelling, Hamilton began taking acting classes in an effort to expand his career. His first major role was as Samson in the 1984 television film Samson and Delilah.[5] Later that year, producers of the crime drama series Cover Up offered Hamilton the leading role after the series' previous star, Jon-Erik Hexum, died after an on-set accident in October 1984. Hamilton had known Hexum, having previously met him at an acting class when they both lived in New York. They shared the same acting coach and competed for the same roles. Both were up for the role in Samson and Delilah, which Hamilton won. Hamilton initially had misgivings about taking the role, but ultimately accepted it.[6][7]

Producers also had misgivings about having the lead be found out to be a gay man, still taboo in the 1980s.[8] Hamilton's first episode aired on 24 November 1984. After Hexum's death, the series struggled in the ratings. CBS cancelled Cover Up the following year.[9]

After the cancellation of Cover Up, Hamilton was in talks to replace Roger Moore as the new James Bond in the 007 film series.[10] Bond producer Albert R. Broccoli was reportedly hesitant to cast Hamilton as the womanising James Bond because, in real life, Hamilton was gay.[11][8] Timothy Dalton was ultimately cast as James Bond.[12] In 1986, Hamilton had a small role in the comedy film Jumpin' Jack Flash starring Whoopi Goldberg. He guest-starred on several television series including The Hitchhiker, The Twilight Zone, The Charmings and L.A. Law.

In 1988, Hamilton landed the role of Impossible Missions Force agent Max Harte, a former ANZAC commando, in the 1988 revival of Mission: Impossible.[13] The series aired for two seasons before being canceled due to low ratings in 1990. In 1991, he guest-starred on two episodes of crime drama series P.S. I Luv U. Hamilton's final role was in the 1992 thriller Fatal Instinct.

Death

[edit]

On 29 March 1995, Hamilton died from AIDS-related pneumonia in Los Angeles.[14] His family requested that contributions be made in his name to AIDS Project Los Angeles.[15] Hamilton was cremated and his ashes were scattered off the coast of Malibu.

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1979 Nocturna: Granddaughter of Dracula Jimmy Alternative title: Nocturna
1984 Samson and Delilah Samson Television movie
1984–1985 Cover Up Jack Striker 14 episodes
1985 Mirrors Gino Rey Television movie
1986 Jumpin' Jack Flash Man in Restaurant Credited as Anthony Hamilton
1986 The Hitchhiker Jim Buckley Episode: "Man of Her Dreams"
1986 The Twilight Zone Simon Locke Segment: "Nightsong"
1987 The Charmings Lionel Davenport III Episode: "Modern Romance"
1987 L.A. Law Dan Sapin Episode: "The Lung Goodbye"
1988 Sonny Spoon Episode: "Too Good to Be True, Too Good to Get Caught"
1988–1990 Mission: Impossible Maxwell Hart 35 episodes – credited as Tony Hamilton
1988 Howling IV: The Original Nightmare Tom Direct-to-video release
1991 P.S. I Luv U Dodger 2 episodes – credited as Tony Hamilton
1992 Fatal Instinct Bill Hook Credited as Tony Hamilton, (final film role)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Antony Hamilton

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Antony Hamilton (4 May 1952 – 29 March 1995) was an -born Australian , and dancer. Born in , , he was orphaned as an infant and adopted by an Australian military couple, relocating to at age three where he grew up. Hamilton initially pursued a career in , touring with , before transitioning to modeling and acting in the 1970s. He appeared in various Australian and international television productions and films, gaining recognition for his role as Jack Striker, a fashion photographer turned investigator, in the American action series (1984–1985), where he assumed the male lead following the on-set death of . Other credits include guest appearances on shows such as and . Hamilton died of AIDS-related in at the age of 42.

Early life

Upbringing and family

Antony Hamilton was born on May 4, 1952, in , , and orphaned approximately two weeks after birth. He was adopted as an infant by Donald Smith, a highly decorated in the Australian Army, and his wife Margaret, who gave him the name Antony Hamilton Smith. The family relocated to when Hamilton was three years old, settling in , where he was raised in a household on a that provided a rural upbringing. No records indicate biological siblings or details, with his adoptive parents shaping his early environment amid Australia's post-war .

Relocation to Australia and dance training

Hamilton was born on 4 May 1952 in , , and was orphaned shortly after birth before being adopted by an Australian couple. At the age of three, he relocated with his adoptive family to , where he grew up in on a sheep farm. From age 10, Hamilton attended Scotch College in , an institution where and formed a key component of the curriculum, sparking his interest in the art form alongside teenage pursuits like . He subsequently pursued rigorous , ultimately joining and advancing to the rank of premier danseur.

Career

Modeling breakthrough

In 1973, at the age of 21, Antony Hamilton was discovered by fashion photographer Vladimir Bliokh while touring with , prompting his shift from dance to modeling. This encounter marked his entry into the fashion industry, as his exceptional physical attributes and poise drew immediate professional interest. Following the discovery, Hamilton signed with a modeling agency and rapidly established an international career, working across , the , , and . His breakthrough solidified through high-profile assignments, including regular appearances in leading publications such as Vogue and , where he became a preferred muse for acclaimed photographers like and Victor Skrebneski. Hamilton's modeling tenure spanned roughly a decade, during which he capitalized on his dance-honed physique and photogenic appeal to secure lucrative campaigns and editorials, laying the groundwork for his later pursuits in . This phase highlighted his versatility, transitioning seamlessly from stage performer to amid the era's demand for athletic, masculine aesthetics in menswear.

Dancing and early performances

Hamilton trained intensively in classical ballet from age 12 in , , before joining as a professional dancer in the early 1970s. He performed with the company in various ensemble roles, contributing to productions during a period when the troupe was establishing its international presence. Around 1972, at approximately age 20, Hamilton ceased dancing to capitalize on his physical attributes in modeling, working in , New York, and for about a decade. Accounts of his dance tenure note his beauty as a standout feature over technical prowess, which facilitated his pivot to fashion and commercial work.

Acting roles in television and film

Hamilton's acting career began tentatively in the late 1970s with a supporting role as Jimmy in the Nocturna. His first major break arrived in television with the titular role of in the 1984 ABC miniseries Samson and Delilah, a biblical epic that showcased his physical presence as the strongman blinded and betrayed by . That same year, Hamilton stepped into the lead role of undercover fashion photographer and agent Jack Stryker on the action series , replacing after Hexum's fatal on-set accident in October 1984; the show ran for 14 episodes from September 1984 to April 1985, pairing Hamilton with as his on-screen partner Dani Reynolds. He later portrayed agent Max Harte in the 1988–1990 revival of , appearing in multiple episodes as a team member handling espionage operations. In feature films, Hamilton took on varied supporting parts, including a mysterious figure in the horror thriller Mirrors (1985), the CIA operative Jack in the comedy (1986) starring , the lead in the werewolf sequel Howling IV: The Original Nightmare (1988), and a role in the action-drama To Kill For (1992). These roles often leveraged his athletic build and charisma, though none achieved blockbuster status.

Personal life

Sexuality and relationships

Antony Hamilton was homosexual and maintained openness about his during his career in modeling, dance, and acting. This aspect of his personal life reportedly contributed to professional setbacks, including Albert "Cubby" Broccoli's reluctance to cast him as in the late 1980s, citing the mismatch between the character's promiscuous heterosexual persona and Hamilton's . contain limited verifiable details on Hamilton's romantic relationships, with anecdotal accounts from contemporaries suggesting partnerships in the , such as with model Tony Sanchez during his time in New York. No long-term partners or marriages are documented in reputable sources.

Lifestyle and public persona

Antony Hamilton projected a public image defined by his exceptional physical attractiveness and athletic physique, honed through years of training, which facilitated his transition into high-fashion modeling for publications such as Vogue and . His persona as a versatile performer—spanning , modeling, and —emphasized glamour and charisma, particularly during his time in New York and in the , where he embodied the era's ideals of masculine beauty and artistic ambition. In lifestyle choices, Hamilton sought liberation from the strict discipline of , which he described as "too confining and regimented," opting instead for modeling as a means to achieve , global , and financial rewards without deep interest in itself. He maintained a fitness regimen reflective of his background, frequenting gyms such as the in New York during his early modeling years, contributing to his reputation for an enviably handsome and toned appearance that captivated audiences and industry professionals alike. This approach to life underscored a preference for personal freedom and experiential pursuits over structured routines, aligning with his career shifts toward more autonomous professional avenues.

Health and death

AIDS diagnosis

In 1991, the tabloid newspaper reported that Antony Hamilton had received an HIV diagnosis in 1986 and undergone treatment for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), an AIDS-defining , at a hospital in 1990. Hamilton publicly denied these assertions, maintaining that he did not have or AIDS. No contemporaneous medical records or statements from Hamilton or his representatives have surfaced to verify or refute the tabloid's timeline, which originates from a publication known for sensationalized content rather than journalistic rigor. Hamilton's death on March 29, 1995, at age 42 in , was officially attributed to AIDS-related , providing posthumous confirmation of his HIV infection and progression to . The precise date of his initial diagnosis remains undocumented in credible sources, consistent with his efforts to shield his health status from public scrutiny amid ongoing professional commitments. This privacy aligns with patterns observed among many public figures in the pre-antiretroviral era, where stigma surrounding often delayed disclosures.

Final years and passing

In the early , Hamilton's professional output diminished amid deteriorating health from AIDS complications, with his final acting role as Bill Hook (credited as Tony Hamilton) in the thriller . He died on March 29, 1995, of pneumonia caused by AIDS in at the age of 42. His parents, Donald and Margaret Smith, along with his sister , requested memorial contributions to AIDS Project Los Angeles rather than flowers.

Legacy

Cultural impact and recognition

Hamilton's striking physical presence and background as a transitioning to modeling and acting positioned him as a in media, particularly through his role as undercover agent Jack Striker in the television series (1984–1985), where he replaced following the latter's accidental death. His portrayal emphasized athleticism and charisma, contributing to his appeal in physique modeling for photographers like Bruce Weber, which resonated in niche communities appreciating male form during an era of evolving body aesthetics in fashion and entertainment. In 1985, Hamilton was seriously considered by producer Albert "Cubby" Broccoli for the role of in what became (1987), with screen tests conducted; however, his open homosexuality led to his exclusion, reflecting industry biases against gay actors in leading heterosexual roles at the time, ultimately favoring . This episode has since been cited in discussions of Hollywood's historical reluctance to cast openly gay performers in mainstream franchises, underscoring Hamilton's inadvertent role in highlighting such barriers. Posthumously, following his death from AIDS-related on March 29, 1995, Hamilton has garnered recognition within LGBTQ+ circles as an early example of an unapologetically performer who bridged , modeling, and acting without compromising his identity, though his broader cultural footprint remains modest compared to contemporaries. Tributes often emphasize his roles in (1988–1990) as Max Harte and his modeling work as emblematic of masculine ideals, with occasional revivals in online forums and retrospectives preserving his image as "vintage ." No major awards or institutional honors were received during his lifetime, and his legacy persists primarily through fan-driven appreciation rather than widespread academic or mainstream analysis.

Reception of career and personal choices

Hamilton's pivot from professional ballet to international modeling and subsequently to was commended by contemporaries for capitalizing on his striking physique and honed in dance, enabling high-profile campaigns with designers such as and features in publications like Vogue and . However, his acting roles, including the lead in (1984–1985) where he assumed the part of Jack Stryker following Jon-Erik Hexum's fatal accident, drew limited critical praise; the series, despite its action-oriented appeal, suffered declining ratings and cancellation after one season, with observers attributing this partly to the abrupt cast change and perceived lack of narrative innovation. Later appearances in the revival (1988–1990) and films like Samson and Delilah (1984) were noted more for ensemble dynamics or guest stars than Hamilton's individual performances, reflecting a career trajectory often typecast around his matinee idol looks rather than dramatic range. Regarding personal choices, Hamilton's acknowledged homosexuality—never publicly concealed within industry circles but handled discreetly amid 1980s Hollywood norms—reportedly influenced casting decisions, such as his 1985 screen test for James Bond, where producer Albert Broccoli opted against him in favor of , citing preferences that aligned with unverified concerns over Hamilton's orientation. This discretion contrasted with tabloid scrutiny; a 1991 Globe report alleged his diagnosis as early as 1986, which Hamilton refuted, asserting, "I don't believe AIDS is a sentence. If you take care of your mind and body, I believe you can beat it". His private management of the illness until his from AIDS-related on March 29, 1995, at age 42, elicited subdued contemporary reaction, overshadowed by era-specific stigma toward gay men and AIDS, though posthumous retrospectives frame it as a poignant truncation of untapped potential, with family directing memorials toward AIDS Project contributions. Overall, reception underscores a life of ambitious reinvention hampered by health and societal barriers, with admirers valuing his resilience over mainstream accolades.

Filmography

Films

Hamilton debuted in film with the role of Jimmy, a disco guitarist, in the 1979 horror-comedy Nocturna: Granddaughter of Dracula. His first lead role came in the 1984 biblical television film Samson and Delilah, portraying the titular strongman Samson opposite Belinda Bauer as Delilah; the miniseries aired on ABC on April 1, 1984. In 1985, he appeared as Gino Rey in the CBS television thriller Mirrors, a made-for-TV movie directed by Harry Winer that premiered on July 14, 1985. Hamilton had a minor uncredited role as a man in a restaurant in the 1986 comedy , starring and directed by ; the film was released on October 10, 1986. He played the werewolf hunter Tom in the 1988 horror Howling IV: The Original Nightmare, directed by John Hough and released on November 11, 1988. Later projects included the 1992 To Kill For, where he starred as a , released on May 8, 1992, and (1992), portraying Bill Hook in the action film directed by John Dirlam, which premiered on October 7, 1992.
YearTitleRole
1979Nocturna: Granddaughter of DraculaJimmy
1984Samson and DelilahSamson
1985MirrorsGino Rey
1986Man in restaurant
1988Howling IV: The Original NightmareTom
1992To Kill ForDetective
1992Fatal InstinctBill Hook

Television appearances

Hamilton began his television acting career with a lead role in the 1984 ABC miniseries Samson and Delilah, portraying the biblical hero opposite Belinda Bauer as . The production, directed by , aired in two parts and marked Hamilton's transition from modeling and dance to on-screen roles. Later in 1984, following the accidental death of during filming, Hamilton replaced him as the male lead in the action series , playing undercover operative and photographer Jack Striker alongside . The series, created by , focused on a fashion photographer's covert work for intelligence agencies and ran for one season of 22 episodes, with Hamilton appearing in the majority after the recast. In 1985, Hamilton starred as Gino Rey, a dancer entangled in a murder mystery, in the CBS television movie Mirrors, directed by Harry Winer and featuring Marguerite Hickey. This role drew on his background as a professional . From 1988 to 1990, Hamilton portrayed secret agent Max Harte in the ABC revival of , joining a cast led by in the espionage thriller series produced by . He appeared in multiple episodes across the first two seasons, contributing to the show's update of the original 1960s-1970s format with new missions against international threats.
YearTitleRoleType
1984Samson and DelilahSamsonTV
1984–1985Jack StrikerTV series (lead, post-recast)
1985MirrorsGino ReyTV movie
1988–1990Max HarteTV series

References

  1. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/165939-antony-hamilton
  2. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0357737/bio/
  3. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7265938/antony-hamilton
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086690/
  5. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0357737/
  6. https://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/1986465.html
  7. http://www.thefootballvoice.com/2024/01/a-history-of-liverpool-thespians.html
  8. https://www.facebook.com/theaidsmemorial/posts/-antony-hamilton-may-4-1952-march-29-1995-was-an-actor-who-died-of-aids-in-los-a/969981681970757/
  9. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/antony-hamilton.html
  10. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-04-02-mn-49911-story.html
  11. https://gay.blog.br/en/gay-en/antony-hamilton-the-actor-who-wasnt-cast-to-play-james-bond-for-being-gay/
  12. https://www.deadinhollywood.com/blog/2018/5/4/antony-hamilton-may-4-1952-march-29-1995
  13. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5GtaRJo_Fq/
  14. https://greginhollywood.com/morning-man-classic-antony-hamilton-2-230584
  15. https://www.lypsinka.com/life/boys_modelboyfriend.html
  16. https://news.amomama.com/161136-life-early-death-cover-star-antony-hamil.html
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088036/
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094511/
  19. https://www.amazon.com/prime-video/actor/Antony-Hamilton/amzn1.dv.gti.d00b1edc-09b7-42cf-acfa-63204d72aef6/
  20. https://www.datalounge.com/thread/34304677-antony-hamilton-ballet-dancer-turned-model-turned-actor-forever-a-vintage-beefcake
  21. https://www.datalounge.com/thread/9846661-model-actor-anthony-hamilton
  22. https://www.facebook.com/theaidsmemorial/photos/-antony-hamilton-may-4-1952-march-29-1995-was-an-actor-who-died-of-aids-in-los-a/969981658637426/
  23. https://www.newsbreak.com/herbie-j-pilato-1590342/3995707641238-recalling-antony-hamilton-cover-up-30-years-after-his-tragic-death-from-aids-related-pneumonia
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101860/
  25. http://everydayheterosexism.blogspot.com/2016/11/forgotten-gay-actor-antony-hamilton.html
  26. https://qnews.com.au/1985-gay-aussie-was-almost-james-bond/
  27. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=969981658637426&id=100068768014960&set=a.498950179073912
  28. https://greginhollywood.com/morning-man-classic-antony-hamilton-4-245707
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079635/
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