“A fierce fighter for the underdog, working for indigenous rights and as part of rehabilitation programmes in the justice system and for the environment. He considered himself an honorary Kiwi being the only Australian to feature on a NZ postage stamp for his role in Goodbye Pork Pie.”
Goodbye Pork Pie, the story of two aimless drifters who end up stealing a car and engaging in a wild car chase throughout Aotearoa, was one of New Zealand’s first local-made movie hits, even sparking a remake in 2017.
Kelly Johnson and Tony Barry (right) in Good Bye Pork Pie. Photo / Supplied
“I think it connected with the dreams of a lot of people ... It gave people a licence to believe that they could be free in their own hearts, even if it was just for an hour and a half in the movies,” he told NZ OnScreen.
Born in Queensland, Barry performed in dozens of feature films and television series, including NZ productions Never Say Die, Beyond Reasonable Doubt and Preston’s own Home By Christmas.
He also worked with Bruno Lawrence and Geoff Murphy - who directed Goodbye Pork Pie - in the avant-garde theatre and musical troupe Blerta.
Among those paying tribute were actor Sam Neill, who called Barry “a hero of mine”.
Vale Australian actor Tony Barry who passed away yesterday aged 81. Tony performed in nearly 60 feature films and over 45 television series and despite the difficulties caused by his illness, Tony worked until shortly before his death. He was an Equity member for over 50 years. pic.twitter.com/op31SIGv29
