11 Facts About Bert Bailey

Albert Edward Bailey, better known as Bert Bailey, was a New Zealand-born Australian playwright, theatrical manager and stage and screen actor best known for playing Dad Rudd, in both mediums, the character from the books penned by Steele Rudd.

Bert Bailey's parents divorced and Bailey's mother moved with him to Sydney when he was six months old.

Bert Bailey remarried in 1879 and went on to become a noted retailer, establishing the firm McCathie's.

Bert Bailey was educated at Crown Street School and Cleveland Street Public School.

Bert Bailey decided not to go into the family business and worked as a telegram boy and at a floor manager at Crystal Palace skating rink.

Bert Bailey would perform the role of Dad Rudd on and off for the rest of his career.

In 1912 Bert Bailey ended his 12-year association with Anderson and went into partnership with his business manager, Julius Grant.

Bert Bailey played Dad Rudd in three more films, contributing to the script as well for each film.

Bert Bailey married fellow actor Ivy Gorrick in 1902 and they had one child, a daughter, Doreen.

Bert Bailey's wife died in 1932 and Bailey never remarried.

Bert Bailey's habits included lawn bowls, boating and travelling with his daughter.