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Michael Caton
Michael Caton
from Wikipedia

Michael Caton (born 21 July 1943) is an Australian actor, comedian and television host, best known for playing Uncle Harry in the Australian television series The Sullivans, Darryl Kerrigan in 1997's low-budget hit film The Castle, and Ted Taylor in the television series Packed to the Rafters.

Key Information

Early life

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Caton was born in Monto, Queensland,[1] was educated in Gympie at St Patrick's College, a Boarding School, where he had his first experience as an actor, and then grew up in Woolloongabba, Brisbane.[2]

Media career

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Television

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In 1976, Caton starred as Uncle Harry Sullivan in the long running Channel 9 war family drama The Sullivans.

Caton starred in the Australian drama series Five Mile Creek from 1983 until 1985. He then appeared in the risqué 1990s soap opera Chances (in 1991 and 1992).

Since 1999, Caton has hosted two lifestyle programs – Hot Property and Hot Auctions – on the Seven Network until 2009, and Channel Nine since 2010.

In 2005, he was a contestant on the third series of the Australian version of Dancing with the Stars.

He was in the Channel 7 dramedy Packed to the Rafters, playing Ted Taylor, father of Julie Rafter, and grandfather to all the grandchildren and their partners.

Caton works with the Queensland rugby league team as 'cultural ambassador', a role which he inherited from deceased long-time team manager Dick Turner.[3]

Filmography

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Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1969 Skippy Young Man 1 episode (#3.83 El Toro)
1970 Division 4 Steve 1 episode (#69 The Man from Lightning Ridge)
1970–74 Homicide Bruce Perkins / Ambrose 2 episodes (#247 A Time for Grieving / No. 403 A Thing of the Past)
1974 Ryan Claude 1 episode (#1.37 Goodbye Holly Beckett)
1976 King's Men Joey Oslow 1 episode (#1.10 Public Enemy Number 1)
1976–81 The Sullivans Uncle Harry Sullivan 737 episodes
Holiday Island Charlie Watson TV series, 1 episode
1982–93 A Country Practice Max Grainger / Dwayne, Trev & Lennie Kerby / Clive Bradley / Malcolm Fellows 8 episodes
1983 The Weekly's War Les Haylen TV miniseries
1983–85 Five Mile Creek Paddy Malone 38 episodes
1987 The Flying Doctors Noel Farley 1 episode (#2.22 Every Day a Gift)
1988 Home and Away Barry Davenport 2 episodes (#1.61/#1.63)
1988 Hey Dad..! Chris Gordon 1 episode (#2.33 VW for Sale)
1991 Chances Bill Anderson 127 episodes (main cast)
1993 Paradise Beach Ken Hayden 1 episode (#1.139)
1996 G.P. Michael Ree 1 episode (#8.7 New Confusions)
1997 Heartbreak High Barney 1 episode (#4.24)
1997 Blue Heelers Ken Norse 1 episode (#4.6 Fowl Play)
1998 Wildside Brian Savini 1 episode (#1.15)
1998 All Saints Bob Parkin 6 episodes
1999 Stingers Benny 1 episode (#1.11 Ten Feet Tall and Bullet Proof)
1999–current Hot Property / Hot Auctions Himself Host
1999 All-Star Squares Self Panellist
2000 The Track Voice over TV documentary
2001 Always Greener Jack 1 episode (#1.8 Dog Days)
2002 Dossa and Joe Joe Bailey 6 episodes
2002–03 Bad Cop, Bad Cop Detective Sergeant Red Lilywhite 8 episodes
2002 The Weakest Link Self Contestant – Celebrity Special episode
2003 The Fat Self 1 episode (#6.16)
2005 Dancing with the Stars Self 5 episodes, series 3
2006 How the Hell Did We Get Here? Self 2 episodes
2008–2013 Packed to the Rafters Ted Taylor 111 episodes
2018 Underbelly Files: Chopper Keith Read 2 episodes
2021 Back to the Rafters Ted Taylor 6 episodes

Film

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Year Film Role Notes
1972 Private Collection
1979 The Last of the Knucklemen Monk
1981 Hoodwink Shapley
1982 Fluteman Oswald Snaith
1982 Monkey Grip Clive
1986 Great Expectations, the Untold Story Travis TV movie
1988 The 13th Floor Dr. Fletcher
1988 Joe Wilson Dave Regan TV mini-series
1990 The Paper Man Leonard Webb TV mini-series
1990 Shadows of the Heart Frank Barrett TV movie
1996 The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years Bill Masters TV movie
1997 The Castle Darryl Kerrigan
1998 Never Tell Me Never Max Shepherd TV movie
1998 13 Gantry Row Mr Hob TV movie
1998 The Echo of Thunder Bill Gadrey TV movie
1998 The Interview Barry Walls
2001 The Animal Dr Wilder
2004 Strange Bedfellows Ralph Williams
2015 Last Cab to Darwin Rex
2017 Three Summers Henry
2020 Rams Les

Stage

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Year Title Role Notes
1971 Hair Melbourne
1972 Jesus Christ Superstar Priest
1973 The Tooth of Crime Nimrod Theatre Company
1982 The Stripper Sheriff Lavers Sydney Theatre Company
2007–08 Priscilla Queen of the Desert - the Musical Bob

Discography

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Caton, playing the role of a Priest, is part of the Chorus singing on the original Australian cast recording of Jesus Christ Superstar, 1972.[4] He is the major voice talking in the background on John Paul Young's 1975 hit "Yesterday's Hero".[4][5] From Caton's role in the movie he sings on many tracks on Ed Kuepper – Last Cab to Darwin – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 2015.[4]

Accolades

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Honours

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Caton has been inducted into the Australian Film Walk of Fame in honour of his work in Australia's cinema and television industries.[6]

Caton's plaque at the Australian Film Walk of Fame, Ritz Cinema, Randwick, Sydney

Awards & nominations

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Year Association Category Nominated work Result
2007 Australian Film Institute Best Actor in a Television Drama The Castle Nominated
2011 Logie Awards Logie Award for Most Popular Actor Packed to the Rafters Won
2016 AACTA Awards Best Lead Actor Last Cab to Darwin Won

Personal life

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Caton is married to Helen Esakoff. His son Septimus narrates My Kitchen Rules and Robot Wars.[7]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael Caton (born 21 July 1943) is an Australian actor renowned for his portrayals of everyday, resilient characters in film and television, most notably as Darryl Kerrigan in the 1997 comedy The Castle, a role that cemented his status as a in Australian media. Born in , Caton developed an early passion for acting while attending boarding school in , where he frequently starred in school productions despite struggling academically; after leaving school, he worked briefly as a broker in before transitioning to professional acting in the late . His career breakthrough came in the 1970s with television appearances, including roles in long-running series such as (1976–1977) as Uncle Harry Sullivan and guest roles in (1981–1993), establishing him as a staple of Australian screen . Over five decades, Caton has amassed a diverse body of work across television, film, and theatre, often embodying the archetype of the affable , with standout performances in shows like (2008–2013, 2018) as the patriarch Ted Taylor and films including (1998), Strange Bedfellows (2004), and Last Cab to Darwin (2015). Caton's contributions to Australian cinema have earned him significant recognition, including the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Award for Best Lead Actor for Last Cab to Darwin in 2015, as well as nominations for The Castle from the Australian Film Institute in 1997 and earlier for supporting roles in The Sullivans. Beyond acting, he has engaged in activism, notably campaigning against coal seam gas mining on Queensland's in the 2010s, drawing parallels to his The Castle character in defending ordinary people against powerful interests. Married to Helen Esakoff, with whom he has a son, Septimus, he has openly discussed personal struggles with depression during career lulls, crediting his recovery to professional success and family support. In recent years, Caton has continued to work in independent projects, such as the short film Ashes (2024) and the feature (2021), while reflecting on ageing and legacy in interviews at age 78, and in 2025, following a serious fall, he joined the Falls Prevention Alliance to advocate for better prevention measures.

Early years

Childhood and family background

Michael Caton was born on 21 July 1943 in the small rural town of , . His father, Septimus Caton, worked at a butter factory in nearby , where the family relocated shortly after Michael's birth, but Septimus died in a factory accident in 1945 when Michael was two years old. His mother, , then raised Michael and his two older sisters—Robyn (born about three years earlier) and (born about six years earlier)—as a , providing stability amid the family's subsequent moves. Following his father's death, Eileen relocated the family to Longreach, approximately 360 km southwest of the Basin, before settling in the inner suburb of , where she purchased and operated a corner store to support the household. This urban environment shaped much of Caton's early childhood, though he has recalled the emotional impact of his father's absence, wandering as a young child asking when his "daddy" would return home. Caton's formal education began in Brisbane at St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace, but he encountered disciplinary issues there, leading to a transfer to the Christian Brothers College in as a boarder. At , he struggled academically and failed his exams, yet found early creative outlet through participation in concerts and performances, hinting at the interests that would later define his career. After leaving , he briefly worked in Queensland's pastoral industry, handling pumps, , and windmills, before pursuing opportunities in the city.

Education and initial employment

Caton was born on 21 July 1943 in , and spent his early childhood there before his family, after his father's death, relocated via Longreach to . As a young boy, he struggled academically and was described as not a promising , leading his mother to save money to send him to boarding school in . He attended Christian Brothers College (now St Patrick's College) in Gympie for two years, where he first discovered his passion for through participation in school productions and concerts. Caton later reflected that while he "majored in school concerts and failed all [his] exams," the experience was "the most wonderful" of his youth, igniting his interest in acting despite his poor academic performance. After leaving school, Caton did not pursue formal acting training at institutions like NIDA but instead began his career as an amateur performer. At age 20 in 1963, he landed his first stage role as an "Irish git" in a production at Brisbane's Twelfth Night Theatre, a small 60-seat community venue where Irish accents were among the few he could perform convincingly. This debut marked the start of his professional journey in theatre, where he honed his skills in the early days of the venue's operations. Caton's initial employment was primarily in and small television roles throughout the . By 1969, he secured his first significant on-screen opportunities, transitioning from stage work to broadcast media and establishing himself in the Australian entertainment industry. These early gigs, including minor appearances, laid the foundation for his later prominence in television series.

Professional career

Television work

Michael Caton's television career spans over five decades, beginning in the and establishing him as one of Australia's most recognizable through a mix of lead, supporting, and guest roles in iconic series and miniseries. His early work often featured portrayals of everyday Australians, blending humor and drama in domestic and community settings. Caton gained prominence with his role as Uncle Harry Sullivan in the long-running family drama (1976–1977), where he played the wisecracking younger brother of the family patriarch. This performance earned him a Logie Award for Best , marking his breakthrough and solidifying his status as a household name in Australian television. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Caton appeared in guest and recurring capacities across several popular Australian series, showcasing his versatility in genres from medical dramas to police procedurals. Notable credits include roles in A Country Practice (1981–1993), The Flying Doctors (1985–1992), Blue Heelers (1994–2006), All Saints (1998–2009), and Stingers (1998–2004), often embodying relatable blue-collar characters. He also starred in miniseries such as Never Tell Me Never (1994), Shadows of the Heart (1990), and Come in Spinner (1990), contributing to ensemble narratives focused on historical and personal resilience. In the early 2000s, Caton took on lead roles in comedic miniseries, including Joe Bailey, the retired husband in the domestic satire Dossa and Joe (2002), which explored long-term marriage dynamics. That same year, he portrayed the corrupt Detective Sergeant Red Lilywhite in the black comedy series Bad Cop, Bad Cop (2002–2003), a role that highlighted his ability to blend cynicism with humor in a satirical take on . Additionally, he hosted the property renovation show Hot Property (1999–2013), expanding his television presence beyond acting. Caton's later television work culminated in his portrayal of the affable grandfather Ted Taylor in the family drama (2008–2013), a central figure in the multi-generational Rafter family navigating life's challenges. He reprised the role in the sequel miniseries (2021), underscoring his enduring appeal in heartfelt, character-driven stories. These roles reinforced his reputation for authentic depictions of Australian family life and community bonds.

Film roles

Michael Caton's film career began in the late with supporting roles in Australian cinema, marking his transition from television work. In 1979, he appeared as in The Last of the Knucklemen, a about itinerant workers in the Australian outback, directed by . His early roles often featured him as character actors in gritty, local stories; for instance, in 1981's Hoodwink, he played Shapley, a minor figure in a tale of a con artist based on real events. The following year, in Monkey Grip (1982), Caton portrayed Clive, a peripheral character in Ken Cameron's adaptation of Helen Garner's novel about urban life and relationships in . These appearances established him as a reliable presence in Australian independent films, though they were overshadowed by his television fame at the time. Caton's breakthrough in film came with the 1997 comedy The Castle, where he starred as Darryl Kerrigan, an suburban father battling land acquisition in a satirical take on Australian and property rights. The role, which he originated on , earned widespread acclaim for capturing the essence of "Aussie battler" spirit, with the film becoming a cultural touchstone quoted in everyday language. Directed by , The Castle grossed over A$10 million at the and solidified Caton's status as a leading film actor. Building on this success, he took on the role of Barry Walls, an inquisitive journalist, in the 1998 thriller The Interview, directed by Craig Monahan, which explored themes of and media sensationalism through a police interrogation narrative. In this film, Caton's performance added comic relief to the tense atmosphere, contributing to its strong domestic reception. In the 2000s, Caton ventured into international projects while maintaining his Australian focus. He played Dr. Wilder, a veterinarian, in the 2001 American comedy The Animal, starring Rob Schneider, marking one of his few Hollywood credits where he provided supporting humor in a slapstick story about a man gaining animal abilities. Returning home, he led as Ralph Williams in the 2004 comedy Strange Bedfellows, directed by Dean Murphy, portraying a man pretending to be gay to secure a promotion alongside Paul Hogan; the film won him the Sydney Morning Herald's Star of the Year Award for its box-office success. Later roles showcased his dramatic range: in Last Cab to Darwin (2015), he embodied Rex, a terminally ill taxi driver on a road trip to end his life, adapted from Reg Cribb's play, earning praise for its emotional depth and exploration of euthanasia. In the 2020 Australian remake of Rams, directed by Jeremy Sims, Caton played Les, one half of feuding sheep-farming brothers opposite Sam Neill, delving into themes of family rivalry and isolation in rural Western Australia. More recent films highlight Caton's versatility in ensemble pieces. In (2017), directed by , he portrayed Henry, the prejudiced leader of a Morris dancing group at a multicultural festival, blending comedy with social commentary on Australian identity. His earlier supporting turn as Dr. Fletcher in the 1988 horror The 13th Floor remains a cult favorite, where he played a sinister authority figure in a story of psychological terror. Throughout his , Caton's roles often embody quintessential Australian archetypes—resilient, humorous, and flawed—contributing to over 20 feature films that reflect the nation's evolving cultural landscape.

Theatre performances

Michael Caton's stage career began in at Brisbane's Theatre, a small 60-seat community venue, where he made his debut in a minor role as an Irish character. Over the following decades, he built a diverse portfolio in Australian theatre, encompassing both plays and musicals, often performing in productions that blended , , and . His work spanned experimental of the to contemporary hits in the , establishing him as a versatile performer before his rise to prominence in television and film. In 1971, Caton appeared in the Melbourne production of the rock musical Hair, a controversial show known for its themes of and , marking an early highlight in his experience. The following year, he contributed to the original Australian production of as part of the chorus and in the role of a priest, also featuring on the 1972 cast recording. These roles immersed him in the era's innovative scene, collaborating with notable Australian performers and directors. Caton's theatre credits include a range of plays such as , Move Over Mrs. Markham, , , The Floating World, and Tooth of Crime, showcasing his comedic and dramatic range in ensemble and lead capacities. He also starred in musicals like Cowardly Custard, The Gentlemen of Verona, , and , contributing to revues and adaptations that highlighted his singing and character work. A significant later role came in 2006–2007, when Caton portrayed Bob, the gruff mechanic, in the Australian premiere of Queen of the Desert – The Musical at Sydney's Lyric Theatre and Melbourne's Regent Theatre. This production, based on the acclaimed film, was a commercial success, running for over 500 performances and earning Caton praise for his grounded, humorous take on the character originally played by Bill Hunter on screen. His theatre contributions underscore a career rooted in live performance, influencing his later screen personas with authentic, everyman appeal.

Filmography

Television credits

Michael Caton has had a prolific television career spanning over five decades, featuring prominent roles in Australian drama series, , and guest appearances that highlighted his versatility in portraying everyday characters and family figures. His breakthrough came with long-running series, and he continued to take on recurring and lead roles in popular shows into the 2010s.
Year(s)TitleRoleType
1976–1983Harry SullivanSeries
1983–1985Series
1981–1993Various (guest roles, e.g., Max Grainger)Series
1987Noel FarleySeries
1987Mr. DarcyMiniseries
1994–2004 (recurring)VariousSeries
1998All SaintsBill ReynoldsSeries
1998WildsideTony CroakerSeries
2008–2013Ted TaylorSeries
2021Ted TaylorMiniseries

Film credits

Michael Caton has appeared in over 30 feature films since his debut in the early , often portraying characters in Australian productions, with occasional roles in international projects. His breakthrough came with comedic and dramatic roles in the , cementing his status as a prominent figure in Australian cinema. The following table lists his feature film credits chronologically, including notable roles where documented:
YearTitleRole
1976The Fourth WishJohn
1979The Odd Angry Shot-
1981Hoodwink-
1981The Last of the KnucklemenMonk
1982We of the Never Never-
1982The Man from Snowy River-
1983Careful, He Might Hear You-
1988Rikky and Pete-
1988The 13th FloorDr. Fletcher
1990The Big Steal-
1990Blood Oath-
1991Spotswood-
1993The Heartbreak Kid-
1996Cosi-
1997The CastleDarryl Kerrigan
1997Doing Time for Patsy Cline-
1998A Little Bit of Soul-
1998The InterviewBarry Walls
1998Dead Letter Office-
1998Welcome to Woop Woop-
1998The Echo of ThunderBill Gadrey
1998Never Tell Me NeverMax Shepherd
2001He Died with a Felafel in His Hand-
2001The AnimalDr. Wilder
2002Crackerjack-
2002Black and White-
2004Strange BedfellowsRalph Williams
2005The Proposition-
2012Not Suitable for Children-
2015Last Cab to DarwinRex
2016Goldstone-
2017Three SummersHenry
2017That’s Not My Dog!-
2020RamsLes
This selection highlights his contributions to both independent Australian films and Hollywood crossovers, with roles often emphasizing humor, family dynamics, and social issues.

Accolades

Awards and nominations

Michael Caton has received recognition for his contributions to Australian television and film throughout his career, earning several awards and nominations from prestigious bodies such as the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) and the . His breakthrough role as Uncle Harry Sullivan in the television series (1976–1983) garnered a Logie Award for in a Series in 1981. In film, Caton's portrayal of Darryl Kerrigan in The Castle (1997) earned him a for Best Performance by an in a Leading Role at the 1997 Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards, now known as the . The performance also resulted in a for – Male at the 1998 Film Critics Circle of Australia (FCCA) Awards. Caton's performance as Reg 'Crocodile' Dutton in Last Cab to Darwin (2015) marked a career highlight, securing the in 2015. He also won the FCCA Award for for the same role in 2016. His supporting role in (2020) led to a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in Film at the 2021 . Additionally, Caton received a nomination for the Most Popular Actor Logie in 2011 for his role as Ted Taylor in Packed to the Rafters.
YearAwardCategoryWorkResultSource
1981Logie AwardsBest Supporting Actor in a SeriesThe SullivansWon
1997AFI AwardsBest Performance by an Actor in a Leading RoleThe CastleNominated
1998FCCA AwardsBest Actor – MaleThe CastleNominated
2011Logie AwardsMost Popular ActorPacked to the RaftersNominated
2015AACTA AwardsBest Lead ActorLast Cab to DarwinWon
2016FCCA AwardsBest ActorLast Cab to DarwinWon
2021AACTA AwardsBest Supporting Actor in FilmRamsNominated

Honours

In 2009, Michael Caton was inducted into the Australian Film Walk of Fame, a prestigious recognition of his significant contributions to the Australian screen industry over more than four decades. Established to honor individuals who have shaped Australian , , and related , the Walk of Fame features bronze stars embedded in the pavement outside the Ritz Cinema in Randwick, , similar to its Hollywood counterpart. Caton's star acknowledges his memorable performances in landmark productions such as , The Castle, and , which have become cultural touchstones in . This induction places Caton among an elite group of Australian talents, including actors like Charles Tingwell, Jack Thompson, and , who have advanced the nation's storytelling through innovative and relatable characters. The honour underscores his versatility across mediums—from early television roles in the to contemporary film work—cementing his status as a beloved figure in Australian popular culture. In 2014, Caton received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Cinema Operators at the Australian International Movie Convention.

Personal life

Family

Michael Caton is married to Helen Esakoff. The couple wed on 19 May 2002 at Vatulele Island Resort in . Caton has a son, Septimus Caton, from a previous relationship, who is an and artist. Septimus served as best man at his father's wedding. He narrated the Australian reality cooking competition for its first seven seasons (2010–2016). In 2021, Caton described himself as an "unlikely grandfather at 77," noting his large and supportive family. He has largely kept details of his private, focusing public discussions on his career and advocacy work.

Health and advocacy

In a 2016 interview, Michael Caton shared his personal experiences with depression, revealing that he had battled it multiple times, including a severe episode in the mid-1990s during a 12-month period of and the breakdown of a romantic relationship just before filming The Castle. He described this instance as particularly challenging, stating, "I've had depression before but I always could see the end of the tunnel... At this stage [before The Castle] I couldn't see it," contrasting it with earlier bouts where he anticipated resolution. The success of The Castle marked a pivotal recovery for him, reigniting his career and providing emotional stability. Caton's openness about his struggles has contributed to broader awareness, as he discussed the double-edged nature of fame—offering opportunities but also amplifying personal vulnerabilities—in public forums, emphasizing the importance of emotional support networks. More recently, Caton has encountered physical health setbacks from falls, which he detailed in 2025 at age 82. He recounted three serious incidents: falling down stairs and cracking a , tripping over a dog and breaking his , and slipping in the shower and fracturing his . These events, which required medical intervention and limited his mobility, underscored for him the hidden dangers of falls for older adults. Motivated by his ordeals, Caton became a prominent advocate for falls prevention, joining the launch of Australia's first national Falls Prevention Alliance in October 2025. Backed by over 30 community organizations, health experts, researchers, and figures like former NSW Premier , the alliance aims to address falls as a leading cause of and among over 65, with nearly 17 older people dying daily from related causes and costing the healthcare system over $2 billion annually. Caton used his platform to share his story, urging government investment in prevention strategies such as improved home safety assessments and community programs, stating that falls are an "overlooked " demanding immediate action. Earlier in his career, Caton supported initiatives by starring in the "Make a Date Mate" public awareness campaign, which encouraged Australian men to schedule regular discussions with doctors about via digital rectal examinations. He highlighted disparities, noting that rates were 21 percent higher in rural areas due to limited access to healthcare providers. Caton has also voiced support for voluntary euthanasia, influenced by his lead role in the 2015 film Last Cab to Darwin, where he portrayed a terminally ill taxi driver seeking assisted dying. In interviews promoting the film, he affirmed belief in individuals' rights to euthanasia but observed that the human "life force" often proves resilient, potentially deterring its use even when available.

References

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