Jon Blake (actor)
Jon Blake was a promising actor of the 1980s. He was born in New Zealand and emigrated to Australia with his family at age ten. He became a popular actor on Australian television, quickly progressing from a role in soap opera The Restless Years to television miniseries, and films. One of his highest-profile roles was a starring role in Australian TV series miniseries Anzacs.
His charismatic presence and fast-rising star led to him being dubbed "the next Mel Gibson".
In December 1986 he was badly injured in a car accident while driving home after the last day of filming on The Lighthorsemen. He sustained permanent brain damage in the accident. After several long and complex legal battles and appeals, Blake was finally awarded $7.7 million.