Adam Zwar
Encyclopedia
Adam Zwar is a multi award-winning Australian actor
, voice artist
, and writer
. He is best known for co-creating the Australian comedy series Lowdown
and Wilfred
. Zwar has also appeared in the feature films The Wedding Party
, and Rats and Cats, which he co-wrote and starred in.
. Zwar is the son of author Desmond Zwar
, who wrote the best-selling book The Loneliest Man in the World about Rudolf Hess
. Zwar's mother Delphine was a longtime writer for the House and Garden magazine.
in 2002 and then went on to co-create and co-star in the television series, Wilfred
, screened on SBS in 2007. Later that year, he won the AFI Award for Best Performance in a Television Comedy. After a second season on Wilfred
, Adam collaborated with Amanda Brotchie
, to create the popular comedy, Lowdown
, which went on to win Best Television Comedy at the Australian Writers Guild Awards (AWGIES).
Adam also co-wrote and co-starred in the movie Rats and Cats, which premiered to sell-out audiences and critical acclaim at the 2006 Melbourne International Film Festival
and went on to screen at the SXSW Film Festival in 2009. Since 2006, he has been head writer on the AFI Awards
screened on the Nine Network
, working alongside hosts Geoffrey Rush
and Stephen Curry. Zwar's recent acting credits include playing Martin Gero in Series 1 of 2 of the Network Ten
crime drama Rush
, as well as the SBS series Carla Cametti PD
, the ABC television movie Valentine's Day
, and the crime drama Underbelly
for Channel Nine. In 2010, Zwar joined the main cast of Foxtel
's drama Tangle
.
Zwar's other screen-acting credits include both seasons of the Network Ten
sketch comedy series The Wedge, Blue Heelers
, Stingers
, CrashBurn
, SeaChange
, BackBerner
, and MDA
. His stage-acting credits include Kissing for Australia, for which he received a Green Room Award nomination, and Cyrano de Bergerac
for the Melbourne Theatre Company
.
He has also written the plays Kissing for Australia, Primrose Hill
, The Inner Sanctum
, and The Fall and Fall of Jeremy Hawthorn.
Currently, Zwar is the voice of Australia Post and ISelect. Other commercials he has voiced include the Herald Sun, Honda, HBA, Boag's, and RACV.
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, voice artist
Voice acting
Voice acting is the art of providing voices for animated characters and radio and audio dramas and comedy, as well as doing voice-overs in radio and television commercials, audio dramas, dubbed foreign language films, video games, puppet shows, and amusement rides.Performers are called...
, and writer
Writer
A writer is a person who produces literature, such as novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, or other literary art. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images....
. He is best known for co-creating the Australian comedy series Lowdown
Lowdown (TV series)
Lowdown is an award-winning Australian television comedy series set in the world of celebrity journalism. Created by Amanda Brotchie and Adam Zwar, it stars Zwar, Paul Denny, Beth Buchanan, Dailan Evans, Kim Gyngell and is narrated by Geoffrey Rush...
and Wilfred
Wilfred (TV series)
Wilfred is an Australian comedy television series directed by Tony Rogers, produced by Jenny Livingston and starring Jason Gann, Adam Zwar and Cindy Waddingham. Created by Zwar, Gann and Rogers, it was based on their award-winning 2002 short film and later adapted to a series...
. Zwar has also appeared in the feature films The Wedding Party
The Wedding Party
"The Wedding Party" is the third episode of the BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers.-Synopsis:Basil is disgusted when two young lovers, Alan and Jean, begin 'hanky-pankying' under his very nose while checking in. He becomes convinced that they and two other guests are engaged in group sexual misbehaviour,...
, and Rats and Cats, which he co-wrote and starred in.
Early life
Zwar was born and raised in Cairns, Queensland on 13 January 1972. His parents bought the family home from actor Leo McKernLeo McKern
Reginald "Leo" McKern, AO was an Australian-born British actor who appeared in numerous British and Australian television programmes and movies, and more than 200 stage roles.-Early life:...
. Zwar is the son of author Desmond Zwar
Desmond Zwar
Desmond Zwar is an author and a veteran reporter from Melbourne Australia, he formerly worked for the Border Morning Mail in Albury, New South Wales, The Herald , Melbourne, Desmond went on to work as a reporter, foreign correspondent, feature writer and latterly acting Features Editor of the...
, who wrote the best-selling book The Loneliest Man in the World about Rudolf Hess
Rudolf Hess
Rudolf Walter Richard Hess was a prominent Nazi politician who was Adolf Hitler's deputy in the Nazi Party during the 1930s and early 1940s...
. Zwar's mother Delphine was a longtime writer for the House and Garden magazine.
Career
After guest appearances in several Australian television shows in the late 1990s, Adam co-wrote, produced and co-starred in the short film WilfredWilfred
Wilfred or Wilfrid may refer to:* Wilfred , which lists persons named Wilfred, Wilfrid or Wilfrith* Thomas Wilfred , musician and inventor* Operation Wilfred, a British Second World War naval operation...
in 2002 and then went on to co-create and co-star in the television series, Wilfred
Wilfred
Wilfred or Wilfrid may refer to:* Wilfred , which lists persons named Wilfred, Wilfrid or Wilfrith* Thomas Wilfred , musician and inventor* Operation Wilfred, a British Second World War naval operation...
, screened on SBS in 2007. Later that year, he won the AFI Award for Best Performance in a Television Comedy. After a second season on Wilfred
Wilfred
Wilfred or Wilfrid may refer to:* Wilfred , which lists persons named Wilfred, Wilfrid or Wilfrith* Thomas Wilfred , musician and inventor* Operation Wilfred, a British Second World War naval operation...
, Adam collaborated with Amanda Brotchie
Amanda Brotchie
Amanda Brotchie is an Australian director, writer and linguist.-Career:AFI award-winning director Amanda Brotchie is the co-creator, co-writer and director of the new ABC comedy series, Lowdown...
, to create the popular comedy, Lowdown
Lowdown
"Lowdown" is a song written by Peter Cetera and Danny Seraphine for the rock band Chicago and recorded for their third album Chicago III . It was the second single released from this album, and peaked at #35 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100....
, which went on to win Best Television Comedy at the Australian Writers Guild Awards (AWGIES).
Adam also co-wrote and co-starred in the movie Rats and Cats, which premiered to sell-out audiences and critical acclaim at the 2006 Melbourne International Film Festival
Melbourne International Film Festival
The Melbourne International Film Festival is an acclaimed annual film festival held over three weeks in Melbourne, Australia. It was founded in 1951, making it one of the oldest in the World....
and went on to screen at the SXSW Film Festival in 2009. Since 2006, he has been head writer on the AFI Awards
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award, known as the AACTA Award , is an accolade presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts . The awards recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry and television industry, including directors,...
screened on the Nine Network
Nine Network
The Nine Network , is an Australian television network with headquarters based in Willoughby, a suburb located on the North Shore of Sydney. For 50 years since television's inception in Australia, between 1956 and 2006, it was the most watched television network in Australia...
, working alongside hosts Geoffrey Rush
Geoffrey Rush
Geoffrey Roy Rush is an Australian actor and film producer. He is one of the few people who has won the "Triple Crown of Acting": an Academy Award, a Tony Award and an Emmy Award. He has won one Academy Award for acting , three British Academy Film Awards , two Golden Globe Awards and four Screen...
and Stephen Curry. Zwar's recent acting credits include playing Martin Gero in Series 1 of 2 of the Network Ten
Network Ten
Network Ten , is one of Australia's three major commercial television networks. Owned-and-operated stations can be found in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, while affiliates extend the network to cover most of the country...
crime drama Rush
Rush (2008 TV series)
-DVD releases:-Achievements:-International distribution:-External links:...
, as well as the SBS series Carla Cametti PD
Carla Cametti PD
Carla Cametti PD is a six-part Australian television crime series that was announced in April 2008and first screened on SBS TV on January 8, 2009. The series of six episodes is produced by Buon Giorno Productions Pty Ltd....
, the ABC television movie Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day
Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496...
, and the crime drama Underbelly
Underbelly (TV series)
Underbelly is a 13-part Australian television mini-series that retells the real events of the 1995–2004 gangland war in Melbourne, and is the first series in the larger Underbelly Franchise. It depicts the key players in Melbourne's criminal underworld, including the Carlton Crew and their rival,...
for Channel Nine. In 2010, Zwar joined the main cast of Foxtel
Foxtel
Foxtel is an Australian pay television company, operating cable, direct broadcast satellite television and IPTV services. It was formed in 1995 through a joint venture established between Telstra and News Corporation....
's drama Tangle
Tangle (TV series)
Tangle is an Australian drama series for the Showcase subscription television channel. It focuses on the lives of two generations of two families and their tangled lives. Tangle is filmed in Melbourne and first screened on 1 October 2009...
.
Zwar's other screen-acting credits include both seasons of the Network Ten
Network Ten
Network Ten , is one of Australia's three major commercial television networks. Owned-and-operated stations can be found in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, while affiliates extend the network to cover most of the country...
sketch comedy series The Wedge, Blue Heelers
Blue Heelers
Blue Heelers is an Australian police drama series which depicted the lives of police officers stationed at the fictional Mount Thomas police station in a small town in Victoria.- Overview :...
, Stingers
Stingers
Stingers was an Australian police drama television series. It ran for eight seasons on the Nine Network before it was canceled in late 2004 due to declining ratings and the late timeslot Channel Nine gave the program...
, CrashBurn
CrashBurn
CrashBurn was an Australian 13-part drama series airing on Network Ten, about surviving long-term relationships in an age where multiple partners and multiple orgasms are considered a birthright....
, SeaChange
SeaChange
SeaChange was a popular Australian television show that ran for 39 episodes from 1998 to 2001 on the ABC. It was created by Andrew Knight and Deborah Cox and starred Sigrid Thornton, David Wenham, William McInnes, John Howard, Tom Long and Kerry Armstrong...
, BackBerner
BackBerner
BackBerner was an Australian political satire sketch comedy television series, broadcast on and produced by ABC TV with Crackerjack Productions. The program was hosted by stand up comic Peter Berner and noted Australian character actor Louise Siversen...
, and MDA
MDA (TV series)
MDA is an Australian television series that aired between 2002 and 2005 on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation . It concerned the day-to-day operation of legal firm MDA, which specialised in medical defence.-Synopsis:...
. His stage-acting credits include Kissing for Australia, for which he received a Green Room Award nomination, and Cyrano de Bergerac
Cyrano de Bergerac (play)
Cyrano de Bergerac is a play written in 1897 by Edmond Rostand. Although there was a real Cyrano de Bergerac, the play bears very scant resemblance to his life....
for the Melbourne Theatre Company
Melbourne Theatre Company
The Melbourne Theatre Company is a theatre company based in Melbourne. Founded in 1953, it is the oldest professional theatre company in Australia, and has its own theatre, The MTC Theatre – which houses the 500-seat Sumner Theatre and the 150-seat Lawler Studio – located in Melbourne's Arts...
.
He has also written the plays Kissing for Australia, Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is a hill of located on the north side of Regent's Park in London, England, and also the name for the surrounding district. The hill has a clear view of central London to the south-east, as well as Belsize Park and Hampstead to the north...
, The Inner Sanctum
The Inner Sanctum
The Inner Sanctum is the seventeenth album by the British heavy metal band Saxon, released on March 5, 2007. A limited edition with DVD is available too....
, and The Fall and Fall of Jeremy Hawthorn.
Currently, Zwar is the voice of Australia Post and ISelect. Other commercials he has voiced include the Herald Sun, Honda, HBA, Boag's, and RACV.
Filmography
- TangleTangle (TV series)Tangle is an Australian drama series for the Showcase subscription television channel. It focuses on the lives of two generations of two families and their tangled lives. Tangle is filmed in Melbourne and first screened on 1 October 2009...
(2010) TV series - Hughey - LowdownLowdown (TV series)Lowdown is an award-winning Australian television comedy series set in the world of celebrity journalism. Created by Amanda Brotchie and Adam Zwar, it stars Zwar, Paul Denny, Beth Buchanan, Dailan Evans, Kim Gyngell and is narrated by Geoffrey Rush...
(2010) TV series - Alex Burchill - The Wedding PartyThe Wedding Party"The Wedding Party" is the third episode of the BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers.-Synopsis:Basil is disgusted when two young lovers, Alan and Jean, begin 'hanky-pankying' under his very nose while checking in. He becomes convinced that they and two other guests are engaged in group sexual misbehaviour,...
(2009) - Tommy - RushRush (2008 TV series)-DVD releases:-Achievements:-International distribution:-External links:...
(2008) TV series .... Martin Gero (2 episodes) - Carla Cametti PDCarla Cametti PDCarla Cametti PD is a six-part Australian television crime series that was announced in April 2008and first screened on SBS TV on January 8, 2009. The series of six episodes is produced by Buon Giorno Productions Pty Ltd....
(2008) TV series .... Hank. - Valentine's DayValentine's DaySaint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496...
(2008) Telemovie .... Beak. - UnderbellyUnderbelly (series)Underbelly is an Australian television true crime-drama which originally broadcast on the Nine Network. Each series contains 13 episodes and is based on real-life events including the Melbourne gangland killings between 1995-2004, the Griffith drug trade between 1976-1987, and the Kings Cross scene...
(2008) TV series .... Gregg Hilderbrandt - Rats and Cats (2008) .... Ben
- WilfredWilfred (TV series)Wilfred is an Australian comedy television series directed by Tony Rogers, produced by Jenny Livingston and starring Jason Gann, Adam Zwar and Cindy Waddingham. Created by Zwar, Gann and Rogers, it was based on their award-winning 2002 short film and later adapted to a series...
(2007–2010) TV series - Adam Douglas - The Wedge (2006–2007) TV series - various characters
- CrashBurnCrashBurnCrashBurn was an Australian 13-part drama series airing on Network Ten, about surviving long-term relationships in an age where multiple partners and multiple orgasms are considered a birthright....
(2003)- Tat - MDAMDA (TV series)MDA is an Australian television series that aired between 2002 and 2005 on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation . It concerned the day-to-day operation of legal firm MDA, which specialised in medical defence.-Synopsis:...
(2002–2003) TV series - Peter Munro - Blue HeelersBlue HeelersBlue Heelers is an Australian police drama series which depicted the lives of police officers stationed at the fictional Mount Thomas police station in a small town in Victoria.- Overview :...
(1998–2002)- Arnie Violet - StingersStingersStingers was an Australian police drama television series. It ran for eight seasons on the Nine Network before it was canceled in late 2004 due to declining ratings and the late timeslot Channel Nine gave the program...
(1999–2001) - Grubby Kane - SeaChangeSeaChangeSeaChange was a popular Australian television show that ran for 39 episodes from 1998 to 2001 on the ABC. It was created by Andrew Knight and Deborah Cox and starred Sigrid Thornton, David Wenham, William McInnes, John Howard, Tom Long and Kerry Armstrong...
(1999–2000) - Const. George Velos - NeighboursNeighboursNeighbours is an Australian television soap opera first broadcast on the Seven Network on 18 March 1985. It was created by TV executive Reg Watson, who proposed the idea of making a show that focused on realistic stories and portrayed adults and teenagers who talk openly and solve their problems...
(1985) TV series .... Mark Billings
Awards and nominations
- Australian Film Institute AwardsAustralian Film Institute AwardsThe Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award, known as the AACTA Award , is an accolade presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts . The awards recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry and television industry, including directors,...
(Television): Won with Jason GannJason GannJason Gann is an Australian stand-up comedian, actor, director, producer, writer, screenwriter, musician, singer, and comedian. He is best known for his role as Wilfred in the Australian comedy series of the same name and its U.S...
Best Screenplay in Television WilfredWilfred (TV series)Wilfred is an Australian comedy television series directed by Tony Rogers, produced by Jenny Livingston and starring Jason Gann, Adam Zwar and Cindy Waddingham. Created by Zwar, Gann and Rogers, it was based on their award-winning 2002 short film and later adapted to a series...
(2007) . - AWGIE (Australian Writers Guild) AwardAWGIE AwardsThe AWGIE Awards is an annual awards ceremony conducted by the Australian Writers' Guild, for excellence in screen, television, stage and radio writing. The awards began in 1967....
: Won with Amanda BrotchieAmanda BrotchieAmanda Brotchie is an Australian director, writer and linguist.-Career:AFI award-winning director Amanda Brotchie is the co-creator, co-writer and director of the new ABC comedy series, Lowdown...
Best Comedy - Situation or Narrative for LowdownLowdown (TV series)Lowdown is an award-winning Australian television comedy series set in the world of celebrity journalism. Created by Amanda Brotchie and Adam Zwar, it stars Zwar, Paul Denny, Beth Buchanan, Dailan Evans, Kim Gyngell and is narrated by Geoffrey Rush...
(2010). Episode 7 - "Who's Your Baddy?" - AWGIE (Australian Writers Guild) AwardAWGIE AwardsThe AWGIE Awards is an annual awards ceremony conducted by the Australian Writers' Guild, for excellence in screen, television, stage and radio writing. The awards began in 1967....
: Nominated for Best Comedy - Situation or Narrative for WilfredWilfred (TV series)Wilfred is an Australian comedy television series directed by Tony Rogers, produced by Jenny Livingston and starring Jason Gann, Adam Zwar and Cindy Waddingham. Created by Zwar, Gann and Rogers, it was based on their award-winning 2002 short film and later adapted to a series...
(2007). Episode 6 - "Dog Eat Dog". WilfredWilfred (TV series)Wilfred is an Australian comedy television series directed by Tony Rogers, produced by Jenny Livingston and starring Jason Gann, Adam Zwar and Cindy Waddingham. Created by Zwar, Gann and Rogers, it was based on their award-winning 2002 short film and later adapted to a series...
(2007). - Australian Film Institute AwardsAustralian Film Institute AwardsThe Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award, known as the AACTA Award , is an accolade presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts . The awards recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry and television industry, including directors,...
(Television): Won Best Actor in a Television Comedy WilfredWilfred (TV series)Wilfred is an Australian comedy television series directed by Tony Rogers, produced by Jenny Livingston and starring Jason Gann, Adam Zwar and Cindy Waddingham. Created by Zwar, Gann and Rogers, it was based on their award-winning 2002 short film and later adapted to a series...
(2007) . - The Green Room Awards (Theatre): Nominated for Best Actor - Kissing for Australia.
- Accolade CompetitionAccolade CompetitionThe Accolade Competition is an international, non-traditional, virtual awards venue. Awards go to those filmmakers who produce fresh, standout entertainment, animation and compelling documentaries....
: Award for Excellence in Comedy – LowdownLowdown (TV series)Lowdown is an award-winning Australian television comedy series set in the world of celebrity journalism. Created by Amanda Brotchie and Adam Zwar, it stars Zwar, Paul Denny, Beth Buchanan, Dailan Evans, Kim Gyngell and is narrated by Geoffrey Rush... - Accolade CompetitionAccolade CompetitionThe Accolade Competition is an international, non-traditional, virtual awards venue. Awards go to those filmmakers who produce fresh, standout entertainment, animation and compelling documentaries....
: Award for Excellence for Leading Actor – LowdownLowdown (TV series)Lowdown is an award-winning Australian television comedy series set in the world of celebrity journalism. Created by Amanda Brotchie and Adam Zwar, it stars Zwar, Paul Denny, Beth Buchanan, Dailan Evans, Kim Gyngell and is narrated by Geoffrey Rush...