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Paul Mercurio
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Paul Mercurio

Although an acclaimed dancer/choreographer for several years prior, Mercurio attained overnight fame with his film debut as Scott Hastings in director Baz Luhrmann's STRICTLY BALLROOM. One of Australia's highest grossing pictures, STRICTLY BALLROOM delighted audiences in 37 countries and placed Mercurio firmly on the path to international stardom as a much sought-after leading man.

In the years following, Mercurio starred in six feature films including the Australian productions BACK OF BEYOND, COSI and director Stephan Elliott's WELCOME TO WOOP WOOP as well as EXIT TO EDEN, directed by Garry Marshall, RED RIBBON BLUES, THE DARK PLANET and THE FIRST 9 WEEKS.

Television credits include the Emmy Award winning mini-series, THE BIBLE: JOSEPH, the short film MUSEUM OF LOVE, directed by Christian Slater and guest-leads in Australian series such as MEDIVAC, WATER RATS and HEARTBREAK HIGH. Whilst Mercurio's acting talents are in constant demand, he boasts a wealth of theatrical experience as a professional dancer. For over a decade he was a principal dancer with Sydney Dance Company performing major works throughout the world. In 1992 he founded the Australian Choreographic Ensemble and under his guidance the company produced new works which they performed extensively. Mercurio's choreographic credits alone include over thirty productions for dance and musical theatre.

In 1996 he directed, wrote and performed in the well-received short film SPILT MILK. He is currently developing a theatrical production, INDIAN PACIFIC, commissioned by Sydney Theatre Company and co-writing a feature film which he plans to direct.


Note: This profile was written in or before 2003.

Paul Mercurio Facts

Birth Name Paul Joseph Mercurio
OccupationActor
BirthdayMarch 31, 1963 (60)
SignAries
BirthplaceSwan Hill, Victoria, Australia

Selected Filmography

Not available.