Campbell Copelin


Campbell Copelin was an English actor, who moved to Australia in the 1920s and worked extensively in film, theatre, radio and television. He had a notable association with J.C. Williamson Ltd and frequently collaborated with F. W. Thring and Frank Harvey. He often played villains.

Biography

He served in the army, then emigrated to Australia. He worked on the land, then as a commercial artist before deciding to become an actor.

Criminal History

In 1928 he was fined for using indecent language and resisting arrest.
On the night of 18 March 1931 Copelin took a £1,000 plane out for a joyride in Melbourne and crashed it into Sandridge golf links, causing him to spend several months in hospital. "I had never seen Melbourne by night," he said, "so I decided to have a look. It was wonderful and I'm going to have another look as soon as I can, but next time I'll do it In a safer way."
He was charged with stealing the plane but these charges were later withdrawn on the basis that he had suffered enough through his injuries. Years later he said he was injured in a general plane accident.
In 1933 Copelin was arrested and fined for stealing a police bicycle.

Selected filmography

Film