Cate Blanchett This ravishing Australian actress has many Oscar nominations to her credit. Cate Blanchett was born in a suburb of Melbourne, Australia on 14th May, 1969. Cate studied in Melbourne and then pursued higher education at the University of Melbourne. From thereon, Cate left Australia for a trip overseas. After her graduation from the National Institute of Dramatic Art, she began her career in theater. After she appeared in few stage roles, she made her international debut with a supporting role. However, the role as Howard Hughes' assistant in the movie, 'The Aviator', she bagged her first Academy award. Errol Flynn Born in Hobart, Tasmania, in Australia, Errol (20th June 1909 - 14th October 1959) was quite a sensation in the olden days! His parents were born in Australia. He attended school in New South Wales but he was expelled. Finally, when he turned 20, Errol tried his hand at a mining venture which did not yield success. He bagged a job in the acting field in the early 1930s. Soon after, he starred in an Australian film. It was only when he signed a contract with Warner Brothers, he finally settled in America. Errol's role in movies such as 'The Adventures of Robin Hood', 'Captain Blood', 'The Sea Hawk' and 'Adventures of Don Juan' made him a sensation in Hollywood. Despite his success and fan following, his lifestyle was far from sophisticated. Alcoholism and womanizing were some of the things he was infamous for. Mel Gibson Suave and intensely attractive, Mel Gibson won the hearts of women all around the world, not only with his looks, but also with his sheer talent. Born in New York on January 3rd, 1956, not many fans know about his Australian background. His mother, Ann Gibson, was born in Australia. Although he was born in New York, Mel shifted with his family to New South Wales in Australia. He completed his high school years there. When Mel began his acting career, he attracted attention from top film critics. He studied at the National Institute of Dramatic Art and from thereon, he moved on to many theater projects. In the 1990s, he went on to make a mark and even won an Oscar Award for his role in 'Braveheart' in 1995. Russell Crowe With three Oscar nominations and an Oscar award under his belt, this magnificent actor needs no introduction. Born on 7th April, 1964 in Wellington in New Zealand, he began his career as a child star. His family shifted with him to Australia when he was only 4 years old. By the time he turned 14, his family returned to New Zealand. However, Russell Crowe returned to Australia to apply at the 'National Institute of Dramatic Arts'. He appeared in many television serials and it was in 1992, the film, 'Romper Stomper' catapulted him to fame. After his success story in Australia, this actor moved on to make a mark in American films. His role in 'The Insider', 'Gladiator' and 'A Beautiful Mind' fetched him Oscar nominations. These were just a few Australian actors who have carved a niche for themselves in the film industry. Such is the talent from this land, one cannot be surprised if this list gets lengthier with time!