In a deeply personal and unexpected revelation, veteran Australian actor Gary Sweet shared a lifelong family secret with his fellow campmates during Sunday's episode of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Australia. The 68-year-old screen legend confessed he was raised believing his aunt and uncle were his biological parents, a story he had never before disclosed publicly.
An Unusual Family Dynamic Revealed
"Would you like to hear something weird?" Sweet asked his campmates before delving into the complex story of his origins. He explained that within his father's family of eight children, the two closest brothers were Bill and Phil. "Bill and his wife had four daughters. They were getting divorced, but she was pregnant," Gary recounted. "The baby was me."
This meant that Sweet's biological parents became his uncle and auntie in the family structure, while his sisters became his cousins. The actor was raised by his aunt and uncle in Adelaide, maintaining this understanding of his family relationships throughout his childhood.
A Lifelong Secret Finally Shared
Gary Sweet admitted with evident emotion: "I've never, ever, ever told this story." The revelation came as a surprise even to those familiar with his long career in Australian television and film. He described how the situation was rarely discussed with his biological father, saying: "When I moved to Melbourne, I used to see my biological father quite a bit. It never really came up. Occasionally, if he was drunk, he'd say stuff about it."
Despite the unusual circumstances, Sweet has come to view the adoption arrangement positively. "It's a good thing to grow up with people who really, really wanted you that badly," he reflected, adding that he ultimately saw it as "a good thing to do" for both himself and his family.
From Adelaide to Acting Stardom
After being raised in Adelaide, Gary Sweet left for Melbourne in 1980 to pursue his acting ambitions. His career has since flourished, making him one of Australia's most recognised and respected television actors. His impressive resume includes lead roles in popular programs such as Police Rescue, House Husbands, and The Sullivans.
Beyond television, Sweet has made significant contributions to Australian cinema with appearances in films including The Tracker and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. His versatility and emotional depth as a performer have earned him legendary status within the Australian entertainment industry.
A Large and Loving Family of His Own
Today, Gary Sweet has built an extensive family of his own through three relationships. He has six children: son Frank and daughter Sophie with his ex-partner Jill Miller; sons Jesse James and Joe Buster with former wife Johanna Griggs; and two sons, Frederic and Percy, with his current partner Nadia Dyall.
Industry sources suggest Sweet is earning between $110,000 and $140,000 for his appearance on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Australia. Producers value him as a dependable performer who understands television's demands. "He understands television. You know he'll give you moments you can promo," a source commented, highlighting his ability to deliver compelling emotional storylines that resonate with audiences.
This heartfelt confession has provided viewers with unprecedented insight into the personal life of one of Australia's most beloved actors, revealing the complex family history that has shaped the man behind many memorable screen performances.
