Gus Mercurio, RIP

Gus played Tom Critchley, the crewman who rescued Delie, and later showed up on the steamboat. The raspy-voiced Mercurio was a true icon. He was known to me as an American from his appearance in The Blue Lagoon (I, II, and Return to), The Man From Snowy River, Five Mile Creek, Crocodile Dundee II, at least one season of the 1995 Flipper series, and of course ATRR.

He was actually American born, but always seemed to epitomize the dependable, rough and ready Australian. He was known as an excellent character actor, but to me was a top notch actor without the qualification. He should definitely have been given the chance to do starring or co-starring roles.

He not only looked rugged; he was actually a pro boxer and referee. He always reminds me of Burgess Meredith.

He died at 82 on Pearl Harbor day, 2010; complications of surgery for a chest aneurysm.

We will miss ye, Gus.