John-Michael Howson

Infobox actor
name = John Michael "Hollywood" Howson


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birthname = John Michael Howson
birthdate = 1936
birthplace = Melbourne
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othername = Hollywood Howson
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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.

Early career

He began as a cadet reporter on Mildura's "Sunraysia Daily" [http://www.theage.com.au/news/people/showman-to-the-stars/2005/07/08/1120704540657.html Showman to the stars] "The Age", July 9, 2005] . He made his name in television as Fee Fee Bear, a character on children's television series, the "Magic Circle Club", and as Clown in a follow-up show, "Adventure Island", which both aired in the days of black and white television. He created these shows, most of the original songs used in them, and wrote many of the "Adventure Island" scripts on a typewriter positioned behind the set.

Howson 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".

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.

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 - The Original Pop Diva. He is currently working on a new musical 'Pyjamas in Paradise', about teenage parties at Surfers Paradise, Queensland.

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.

He is also Patron of the Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus

References

Links

*List of playwrights
* [http://www.abc.net.au/talkingheads/txt/s1641324.htm ABC interview]
* [http://www.mglc.org.au Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus]