John-Michael Howson
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Michael Howson (often written as John-Michael Howson) is a flamboyant Australian entertainer. He is also known as Hollywood Howson.
He has been involved in the Australian entertainment scene for more than forty years, as a writer, producer and performer.
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[edit] Early career
He began as a cadet reporter on Mildura's Sunraysia Daily. He made his name in television as 'Clown', a character on children's television show Adventure Island, which aired in the days of black and white television. He created the show and wrote the scripts on a typewriter positioned behind the set.
He also starred in Houseboat Horror, an Australian movie often included on lists of the worst movies ever made, but showed dramatic acting skills in Power Without Glory.
[edit] Entertainment Reporter
He wrote for Graham Kennedy, and talk show host Mike Walsh. He eventually moved on-camera as a roving entertainment reporter for the Mike Walsh show. Mike Walsh coined the nickname 'Hollywood Howson'. He became known for his flamboyant, catty commentary on the celebrity A-list.
Howson lived in West Hollywood for a while and reported for Network Ten's Good Morning Australia with Bert Newton. He also reported for 3AW with Ernie Sigley.
[edit] Musicals
He co-wrote a musical, 'Shout!' about the life of singer Johnny O'Keefe with Melvyn Morrow and David Mitchell. He also co-wrote with the same team a musical about Dusty Springfield called 'Dusty'. He is currently working on a new musical 'Pyjamas in Paradise', about teenage parties at Surfers' Paradise, Queensland.
[edit] Personal life
Born in Melbourne in 1936, he was brought up Roman Catholic. He lived in Los Angeles for 17 years and now holds dual US-Australian citizenship. He currently resides in Melbourne, Australia with his Guatemalan partner, Alfie, and their three dogs.
Openly gay, he is often mocked for his nasal voice and his camp demeanour. The hyphenation of 'John-Michael' appears to be an affectation added later in life.
