Max Cullen

Maxwell Phillip Cullen, born on 29 April 1940, is a respected figure in the Australian stage and screen acting world, recognized for his roles in the film Spider and Rose and the television series *The Flying Doctors*, *Secret Valley*, and *Love My Way*. He was born in Wellington, New South Wales, Australia to parents Alec Cullen, an electrical linesman, and Lila Mary. An interesting note, Cullen wasn't always aiming to be an actor, he actually began his career as a painter, sculptor, illustrator, cartoonist, and layout artist showcasing his artistry in several exhibitions after training at renowned institutions like Sydney's National Art School and the Julian Ashton Art School. Later on, his interest piqued in acting after seeing a play, thereafter, he trained under Hayes Gordon at the Ensemble Theatre where he appeared in multiple productions over a ten-year period. Not only restricted to theatres, but Cullen also reported regularly on arts for a Sunday current affairs television program. Plus, from 2007, he became even more famous for his one-man show 'Lawson' based on renowned Australian poet Henry Lawson. Talking about his silver screen presence, Cullen starred in the 2009 film *X-Men Origins: Wolverine*, and 2013's *The Great Gatsby*, etching his mark in Hollywood as well.