Paul Mercurio pasodobled into our hearts as the delectable Scott Hastings in Strictly Ballroom
It’s been 23 years since the iconic Australian film was released but it has stood the test of time, cementing itself into our cultural landscape.
Paul has danced the line across many different careers from dancer, actor, TV judge, cook and even a builder. The talented 52-year-old stepped out a few days ago to celebrate the 100 anniversary of Bonds. In the 90’s Paul became the face of the iconic Bonds chesty, re-introducing back into our hearts.
Baz Luhrmann unveiled the red curtain, teaching us that “a life lived in fear… is a life half lived”, while Tara Morice’s bumbling portrayal of sweet Fran made us believe. And who could EVER forget the dancing divas that were Tina Sparkle and Nathan Starkey played by none other Sonia Kruger and Todd McKenney.
We must admit Paul Mercurio looks COMPLETELY different to his Scott Hastings days.
In honour of the dad-of-three latest appearance, we check out what the rest of the Strictly Ballroom gang has been up to since they danced their way onto the silver screen.
Paul Mercurio stepped out the other day to celebrate Bonds 100 year anniversary.
But we had to a double take! We can’t believe how much the Strictly Ballroom actor has changed.
Back in 1992 Scott Hastings stomped his way into our hearts. He taught us that “the rumba is the dance of love. Look at me like you’re in love.” And boy, did we look! Since then Paul has acted, been a builder, stripped for the Full Monty, and even had his own cooking show!
Fans of the film may have been in love with with Scott, but it was Fran that made us smile. Queen of the one-liners like: “You really are a gutless wonder!”
Played by Aussie star, Tara Morice, the NIDA graduate has continue acting, most recently in the critically-acclaimed Ivan Milat bio Winter.
Strictly Ballroom a film about dance, love and hope would never have engulfed our lives without the visionary Baz Luhrmann.
The film, was Baz’s first flick, and kicked off his The Red Curtain Trilogy of theatre-motif-related films. The other two were Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge! These days Baz is a Hollywood superstar creating some of the finest and visually spectacular movies of our age.
Two words. Tina. Sparkle. Potrayed by Sonia Kruger, the sultry Strictly Ballroom dancer was the archetypal villain. We’re still laughing at Fran’s : “The glitteryness of Tina’s eyeshadow is seriously deadly!” Sans eyeshadow, Sonia is a beloved TV-host and the hot mama to sweet Maggie!
Who could forget Sonia’s bestie, Todd McKenny?
He danced with Tina as Nathan Starkey and he has tangoed his way onto TV, radio and even musical theatre!
“There’s something in the air. It might be love — but it isn’t strictly ballroom.”
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