Tony came from a theatrical background. His father was a leading musical actor and mother a concert soprano. He started singing/ dance classes, auditioning and he started his theatrical career. His film and TV career started in the early 60s. In the 70s, he returned to Australia where he still plays the lead in both mediums. Tony recently received and Order of Australia Medal for services to the arts, and gained a lifetime achievement award at the Warner Brothers Studio on the Gold Coast in 2016.
Has been president of the Manly Surf Livesaving Club.
Lost a court case against Fauna Productions, the makers of Skippy. He was claiming a share of money received for videos, DVDs and merchandise still being earned from the 1960s TV series. However, the court ruled that he was paid all his contract entitled him to and found against him. An appeal is being considered.
(September 2007) Lives in Sydney, and operates the Manly Beach Surf Club. He teaches acting classes in his spare time.
He was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division in the 2017 Australia Day honors for significant service to the performing arts as an actor, to surf lifesaving, and to the community through charitable organizations.
