Peter Adams (actor)


Peter John Adams was a New Zealand-born Australian actor, best remembered for his performances in Australian television. Born in Taumarunui, New Zealand, Adams later emigrated to Australia. He died of cancer in Melbourne in 1999 at the age of 61.

Career

Television work

Adams appeared in Australian soap opera Number 96 in 1974-75 and had a five-week stint in medical soap opera The Young Doctors as Clarrie Baker in 1977. Adams' defining role came in 1977 when he was cast as a leading character, Detective Jeff Johnson, in the police procedural series Cop Shop. His character "JJ" became a hit with audiences, winning Adams several Logies. In 1980 he won Best Lead Actor in a Series and in 1981, the Silver Logie for Most Popular Actor. He left that series for a role in musical theatre, but later returned, staying until the series was cancelled in December 1983. He subsequently appeared in Prisoner as the tough Acting Governor Bob Moran, for three months in 1986. In 1994 he appeared in the television movie Halifax f.p. – The Feeding with Rebecca Gibney.

Stage work

While predominantly known for his television roles, Adams also worked in theatre. In 1985 he toured Victoria appearing in Warwick Moss' two-man play Down An Alley Filled With Cats. Adams directed the 1995 Geelong Lyric Theatre Society production of Les Misérables. In 1987 he appeared in the Darwin Theatre Company production of Trumpets and Raspberries.

Personal life

Adams was married to Australian actress Kirsty Child until his death in 1999.