FrancisBell
- Actor
As cantankerous plumber Max Ramsey, Kiwi Francis Bell was the original patriarch in iconic soap Neighbours. A popular and sought after actor in Australia, Bell had roles in numerous TV staples; he played ‘Pompey’ Elliot in the Anzacs mini-series. In the mid-80s Bell returned home, and in TV3 soap Homeward Bound played Dad to a young Karl Urban. In May 1994, aged 50, he fell from an Auckland building to his death.
Biography
Born on 18 April 1944, Francis Bell began singing and performing on stage from an early age; as a nine-year-old he acted for radio. At Auckland University he ran the uni theatre company then trained at Mercury Theatre, before undertaking a cadetship at the NZBC as a radio producer and performer.
Screenography
“Francis was an eccentric genius who didn’t always fit in, but I think he was the most talented male actor this country has ever produced. He could get into a role at the drop of a hat.”