Before becoming an actor, he was a boy soprano, storeman, cabbie and truck driver. Served as a teenager with the Australian Army in New Guinea. Embarked on an acting career after moving to London in 1950. Alongside compatriots Peter Finch, Bud Tingwell and Leo McKern, Ed was a regular member of the Kangaroo Club in Chelsea. Ironically, the role he is most remembered for - that of Waratah Park Ranger Matt Hammond in 'Skippy' - never eventuated in Britain but back in Australia.