Reginald Dawson Livermore, born on December 11, 1938, is a renowned Australian actor, singer, and theatrical performer with a prolific career spanning multiple decades. He first gained national recognition in the 1960s with notable roles in Australian films and television programs.
Livermore's early television career included appearances in the adventure series Whiplash, The Tempest, and The Rape of the Belt. He also starred in the pioneering children's science fiction series The Stranger and the documentary From the Tropics to the Snow. He was a featured cast member in the satirical sketch series The Mavis Bramston Show and hosted the children's comedy series Crackerjack.
In 1969, Livermore joined the original Australian production of the rock musical Hair, initially as a member of "the Tribe" and later as the understudy to Keith Glass. When Glass left the production, Livermore took over as Berger and became a household name.
After two years starring in Hair, Livermore joined the cast of the acclaimed Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar, earning rave reviews for his performance as King Herod. In 1974, he landed one of his most iconic roles, Dr. Frank'n'Furter in the original Australian production of The Rocky Horror Show, and also performed the role for the Australian cast recording.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Livermore conceived and performed a string of successful one-man shows, including Betty Blokk-buster Follies, Wonder Woman, Sacred Cow, Son of Betty, and Firing Squad. His 1980 performance of Sacred Cow in London sparked an unexpected sensation, with the audience attempting to boo him off the stage, but he refused to comply.
Livermore continued to perform in various productions throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including a revival of The Rocky Horror Show and the American musical Barnum. In 1996, he was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).
In the 2000s, Livermore became a regular presenter on Channel Nine's Our House and later took on the role of The Wizard in the stage show Wicked, earning a Helpmann Award and the Sydney Theatre Awards' Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
