A commemoration to actor Jon Blake
December 2nd 2006 06:28
There's something that I want to share. It has nothing to do with diet or health or food or anything like that but I still thought that I would share it here, on Orble.
Yesterday, December 1st 2006, was the twentieth anniversary of an event I feel very strongly about, something that I feel shouldn't be forgotten. On the night of 1st December 1986 a terrible car accident took one of Australia's promising young actors off the screens for good.
While driving back to Adelaide after shooting the final scenes in the Lighthorsemen, an epic World War One movie, 28 year old actor Jon Blake was involved in a horrific head on collision with a broken down car.
According to reports, he was found slumped over his steering wheel by a behind the scenes person also involved in the movie. She managed to bring him back to life and keep him that way until he was taken to hospital.
Jon Blake suffered massive brain damage in the accident, finishing his blossoming career as an actor (he was touted to be the 'next Mel Gibson') and his life as he knew it. He could do nothing for himself, needing round the clock supervision and assistance. His primary carer during the last twenty years has been his devoted mother, Mascot.
As a girl in her mid-teens, I first encountered Jon Blake as an actor in ANZACS, the Australian mini-series in which he played Flanagan. I fell instantly in lust with this gorgeous young Aussie and watched ANZACS on video time and time again, just to see his smile.
When I came over to Australia from England in the early/mid nineties, I found out about his accident and was devastated. It had happened almost ten years ago but, for me, it was as if it had happened yesterday.
I never could come to grips with why something like that could happen to a man like Jon Blake.
Jon Blake was a fantastic actor … just compare the characters he played in his two major roles, Lighthorsemen and ANZACS. Two totally different types of personalities portrayed professionally and believably by one man.
To me, Jon Blake will always be the young actor I loved as a teenager. To me he will never age, never die. I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for this amazing actor who had everything taken from him at such a young age.
Many of you probably won't have heard of him or remember him, or even care. But on the anniversary of his terrible accident, I wanted to commemorate the awesome acting skills of Jon Blake.
Yesterday, December 1st 2006, was the twentieth anniversary of an event I feel very strongly about, something that I feel shouldn't be forgotten. On the night of 1st December 1986 a terrible car accident took one of Australia's promising young actors off the screens for good.
While driving back to Adelaide after shooting the final scenes in the Lighthorsemen, an epic World War One movie, 28 year old actor Jon Blake was involved in a horrific head on collision with a broken down car.
According to reports, he was found slumped over his steering wheel by a behind the scenes person also involved in the movie. She managed to bring him back to life and keep him that way until he was taken to hospital.
Jon Blake suffered massive brain damage in the accident, finishing his blossoming career as an actor (he was touted to be the 'next Mel Gibson') and his life as he knew it. He could do nothing for himself, needing round the clock supervision and assistance. His primary carer during the last twenty years has been his devoted mother, Mascot.
As a girl in her mid-teens, I first encountered Jon Blake as an actor in ANZACS, the Australian mini-series in which he played Flanagan. I fell instantly in lust with this gorgeous young Aussie and watched ANZACS on video time and time again, just to see his smile.
When I came over to Australia from England in the early/mid nineties, I found out about his accident and was devastated. It had happened almost ten years ago but, for me, it was as if it had happened yesterday.
I never could come to grips with why something like that could happen to a man like Jon Blake.
Jon Blake was a fantastic actor … just compare the characters he played in his two major roles, Lighthorsemen and ANZACS. Two totally different types of personalities portrayed professionally and believably by one man.
To me, Jon Blake will always be the young actor I loved as a teenager. To me he will never age, never die. I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for this amazing actor who had everything taken from him at such a young age.
Many of you probably won't have heard of him or remember him, or even care. But on the anniversary of his terrible accident, I wanted to commemorate the awesome acting skills of Jon Blake.
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Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
I've know of Jon Blake and remember him in ANZACS. The reason I remember him so vividly is because my older sister, like you, had an enormous crush on him.
Admittedly, he does slip from my mind but every now and then people like you bring him to the fore. It is very sad that his career was cut short.
If only....
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Andrea
Diet and Health
V8 Supercar Pitstop
Thankyou so much for your comments and kind words.
It is a terrible shame and a great loss to Australia's film industry when such a good actor has his career cut short.
I'm glad that there are people around, like us, who do remember him and his work so fondly.
Thanks again for stopping by and sharing.
A.H.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To my Caramel Cupcake,
Damn you, woman!
You made me cry.
Your weeping sis,
K.L.
xoxo
Comment by Andrea
Diet and Health
V8 Supercar Pitstop
You cry way too easily, has anyone ever told you that?
Thanks for showing your unwavering support (as always) and I really appreciate your comments on this post as it's a subject close to my heart.
Thanks for the chapters. I'll get on with reading them very soon and I'll get some more Kate to you when I can.
Your caramel cupcake Sis
A.H.
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Andrea
Diet and Health
V8 Supercar Pitstop
Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comment.
It is a sad story and I'm pleased that Jon's acting won't be forgotten. He deserves so much more.
A.H.
Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
This is a lovely and compassionate post.
I remember Jon Blake...and I recall reading something about his mother and principal carer Mascot Blake sometime early this year/late last year.
I'm sorry I came here 3 days late Caramella.
Dusk
Comment by Andrea
Diet and Health
V8 Supercar Pitstop
The most important thing is that you came here, not that you were late or early or right on time. Then again, if you'd been early, you'd have got here before this post and the page would have been boring and empty.
You know what I mean.
Thankyou for your kind words and your support. You know how much it means to me
Your Caramella friend,
A.H.
P.S. Did you get my email? I did a fancy thing and tried to send it to both you and K.L. at the same time ... buggered if I know if it worked!
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Caramel,
Oh, if I had a dollar for every time somebody told me that...
I'd be rich!!! Rich, I tell ya's! Rich beyond my wildest dreams!!!
Yes, I cry during ads...at the news...when the NW is late at the newsagents...
I've friends that tell me this is very bad for my daughter...a mother so sensitive.
I tell them to kiss my butt!
Anywoo....
This was a lovely post.
Your sis that keeps Kleenez in business (as well as pink champagne, Coca-cola...the list could go on)
K.L.
Comment by Andrea
Diet and Health
V8 Supercar Pitstop
Now I remember (wow my long-term memory is improving) I recall a post you wrote, way-back-yonder, on the motherhood blog about Steve Irwin. And, as I recall, there was a lot of tears shed in that post too.
I think that teaching your daughter not to hide her feelings and to grow up to be a sensitive, caring woman is a wonderful thing.
You keep buying that Kleenex, my girl.
A.H.
P.S. I still cry every time I watch ANZACS and see the beautiful man that was ... every time. Better send me some of your tissues because my mum and dad just bought me ANZACS on DVD for Christmas.
Comment by Anne
I met Jon in a pub about 25 years ago in South Melb when I stupidly said hi because I thought I personally knew him. He cheekily lead me on and said, "you will remember soon". About 2 minutes later when I finally clicked who he was, he laughed at me and I was highly embarrassment. I thought what a cheeky lovely man, nice smile and yes a big spunk. I said well it was nice to meet you anyway. I look back now and think I am glad I had the chance to meet him. I hope the media do an update on him and his mother so they are both never forgotten. Otherwise an internet update. Thanks for your story.
Comment by Andrea
Diet and Health
V8 Supercar Pitstop
Thanks for stopping by and for your story.
It can be difficult to find information about Jon, can't it. I guess it's because his career and accident happened before the internet came about. I'd also love to know how he and his family are going now, twenty years on.
I'd love to have had the chance to meet him, I still would, in actual fact, and I too hope he and his mother are never forgotten ... not so much because of the terrible thing that happened to him but because he was a fine actor with heaps of talent.
Thanks again, Anne.
Andrea.
Comment by Solange
Thank you for remembering Jon.
His wellbeing has always been my concern.
I belive he is well looked after.
Sadly his mother past away on Monday.
His family appriciates all your wonderful comments.
I hope this helps.
Solange
Comment by Andrea
Diet and Health
V8 Supercar Pitstop
First of all, thank you for taking the time to stop by and leave your comment. Your news regarding Jon's mother is terribly sad and I know I speak for many people in wishing her family all the best over this trying time.
From what I've read, Mascot Blake was a strong and vital part of Jon's life and she will obviously be greatly missed. My condolences go to Jon and his family.
Thank you again for passing on this news.
Andrea.
Comment by dustin b
Thank you so very much for caring and remembering. My name is Dustin Blake Jon Blake's son, but Jon was his acting name his real name is Paul. I really appreciate that you remember and care for my dad so much. I also want to thank Solange, Anne, Dusk, Mrs M, KL and anonymous for their kind words. Dad is doing well these days but he still can not walk or talk. Now that my dear grandmother is no longer with us I will continue to care and protect my father with the same love and devotion she had. With the great team of carers, my family and my lovely partner Bree we ensure my dad recieves the excellent care that he deserves.
Thanks again
Comment by Andrea
Diet and Health
V8 Supercar Pitstop
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and let us all know how your father is doing. Even though technology has made communicating and information transfer so much easier these days, it's still extremely difficult to obtain any solid information regarding your father and it was good to hear that he is doing well.
I'll always have a small place in my heart for your dad and will always remember him fondly. He'll remain in my mind just as he was as a promising young actor, with all the charm and gorgeous looks that made him so likable in his chosen career.
My best wishes go to yourself and Bree and I offer my condolences to you for the loss of your wonderful and strong grandmother.
Take care.
Andrea.