SYDNEY, Australia -- Veteran Australian actor John Meillon, who played supporting roles in such movies as 'Crocodile Dundee' and 'The Longest Day,' died at his home in Sydney, family members said Saturday. He was 55.
Meillon was found dead Friday by friends. Relatives said the cause of death was not immediately known but said he had been battling illness for about a year.
Meillon is perhaps best known in the United States as the weather-beaten Wal in the two 'Crocodile Dundee' movies which starred Paul Hogan, but in Australia he was a household name for decades.
Born in Sydney in 1934, Meillon began acting at age 11 with a major role in a radio serial. Five years later he joined the Shakespeare Touring Company before launching his film career.
Apart from the 'Crocodile Dundee' movies, Meillon's big screen performances included 'On The Beach,' 'The Sundowners,' 'The Longest Day,' 'Heatwave,' 'The Picture Show Man' and '633 Squadron.'
Meillon is survived by his second wife, Bunny Gibson, who learned of his death while vactioning in London. Also surviving is a son, John Jr.
