Alister Smart (born 1935)[1][2] also credited as Alastair Smart,[3] is an Australian retired television presenter, actor, television director and screenwriter from. A staple of the small screen, he appeared in productions in England, before returning to Australia, and had roles in television plays, telefilms and soap opera/serials with numerous credits from the late 1950s until the mid-1990s.
In addition to his presenting work, Smart made significant contributions as a television director. He directed 88 episodes of soap opera Sons and Daughters and, briefly, four episodes of the police procedural series Blue Heelers.
In the early 1960s, Smart expanded his career to television in England, where he appeared in televised plays. He performed in anthology series including ITV Play of the Week and Comedy Playhouse, as well as serials like Emergency Ward 10. In the latter part of the 1960s he returned to Australia,[1] where he appeared in guest roles in soap operas and made-for-television movies. His credits in Australia included You Can't See 'round Corners, Homicide. Division 4, The Sullivans and Cop Shop. Although not a regular in the Number 96 television series, Smart had a prominent role as journalist Duncan Hunter in the film adaption.[7]
Smart is known for his role as a presenter on the long-running children's TV program Play School, the Australian adaptation of the original British version of the same title. Smart made his first appearance in the debut episode in 1966, and continued in this role for 27 years until he retired in 1993. During his tenure, he hosted alongside other original cast members including Diane Dorgan (1966), Donald Mcdonald, Kerry Francis, Anne Haddy (1966-1969), and Lorraine Bayly (1966-1978).[5]
Personal life
Smart grew up in Nowra, New South Wales and was married to actress Margery Milne, whom he sometimes acted alongside. He currently resides in East Gippsland, Victoria.
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