Above: Teague Rook (left) in 2003 with Razor Eaters coproducers Paul Moder and Nick Levy.By Sarah Schwager
ACCLAIMED Australian actor Teague Rook is back in Pakenham after 10 years’ absence.
Teague decided to make the move to be closer to his family after he and wife Kelly’s second son was born.
Teague is now living in the Silver Gums Estate with Kelly and sons Harrison, 3, and Mitchell, 10 months, and working at the Photo Barn in Pakenham.
Harrison attends the kindergarten that both Teague and his mother attended and his greatgrandmother founded.
“Coming back to Pakenham has been bizarre,” he said.
“Meeting up with old school mates who come into the store and having people who know my family or recognise me from television is very strange.”
When last reported in the Gazette in 2003, Teague was in the process of releasing an independent film Razor Eaters, which he starred in.
A 1998 Victorian College of the Arts graduate, Teague has had guest roles on a number of television series including MDA, The Secret Life of Us, Blue Heelers, Stingers and Scooter Secret Agent. He also appeared alongside Mick Molloy in the film Crackerjack.
Teague came into the public eye recently after taking one of the leading roles in futuristic children’s ABC television series Silver Sun.
The show was a big success and ABC was set to shoot a second series but Teague said unfortunately finances fell through and they could not continue with it.
“I was left on a cliff hanger,” he said.
Teague then made his foray into Hollywood with a small role in the film ‘Charlotte’s Web’ with Dakota Fanning, which screens in December this year.
Teague said the Australian film and television industry had become quiet at the moment, which made it hard for Australian actors to find permanent work.
“The reason I am able to take a little break from pursuing fulltime acting is because there is no work,” he said.
“Agents are finding it really hard to get actors in because they’ve all got fulltime jobs.”
Teague said the most important thing at the moment was taking care of his family, especially Mitchell, who was born seven weeks premature.
Teague said he wanted to keep his foot in acting and hoped the Australian industry picked up its game.
“I hope the government notices the industry is dying and gives it a shot in the arm.”
For the time being, Teague will keep working in the photo lab processing and restoring film, and keep auditioning for acting roles.
