Frank Thring: Movies & Box Office
- films
- 12
- on screen
- 1958–1987
- box office
- $38.2K
- Born
- May 11, 1926
- Birthplace
- Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Full name
- Francis William Thring
- Citizenship
- Australian
- Occupations
- Actor, Theatre director
- Years active
- 1941-1993
- Spouses
- Joan Cunliffe
Frank Thring's Career in Numbers
Frank Thring's films in numbers — as an actor, not counting appearances as themselves: when they were made, the genres Frank Thring works in most and the milestones along the way. The filmography runs from The Vikings (1958) to Howling III: The Marsupials (1987), and the 1970s were the busiest decade.
Frank Thring Movies by Decade
- 1950s 1
- 1960s 3
- 1970s 4
- 1980s 3
The 1970s were Frank Thring's busiest decade, with 4 films.
Frank Thring Movies by Genre
- Drama 3
- Action 3
- History 2
- Horror 1
- Comedy 1
- Adventure 1
Drama is the genre Frank Thring has worked in most, with 3 films, ahead of action (3).
Frank Thring Career Milestones
- First film
- The Vikings 1958
- Biggest box office hit
- The Vikings $37.6K worldwide
- Newest film
- Howling III: The Marsupials 1987
Frank Thring Filmography: Every Movie
Every film Frank Thring is credited on, newest first, with the role, the box office and the Movie Echo Score. Re-order the list to see the best-rated films or the biggest hits first.
Frank Thring Movies as an Actor
11- 1987
Howling III: The Marsupials as Jack Citron · Horror - 1986
Death of a Soldier as Religious Speaker · History - 1984
Bodyline as Lord Harris · Drama - 1976
Mad Dog Morgan as Superintendent Cobham · Drama - 1975
The Man from Hong Kong as Willard · Action Worldwide box office: $684 - 1974
Alvin Rides Again as Fingers · Comedy - 1970
Ned Kelly as Judge Barry · Action - 1969
Age of Consent as Godfrey · Drama - 1961
El Cid Adventure - 1961
King of Kings as Herod Antipas · History - 1958
The Vikings as Aella · Action Worldwide box office: $37.6K
Frank Thring in Documentaries & Specials
1
Who Is Frank Thring?
Frank Thring was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia in 1926. Credited on films since 1958, as an actor. The background, training and the roles that shaped the career.
Frank Thring, born Francis William Thring on 11 May 1926 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, was a towering figure in Australian and international entertainment, celebrated for his dramatic presence and unmistakable style. Emerging from a theatrical dynasty—his father F. W. Thring founded the influential Efftee Studios—he entered the world of performance at the tender age of fifteen, working as a radio announcer and thespian at Melbourne’s 3XY station. After serving in the Royal Australian Air Force, Thring launched a prolific stage career, dazzling audiences with roles such as Herod in Salome and Sir Lancelot Spratt in Doctor in the House, and sharing the stage with legends like Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh in Shakespearean productions.
His transition to film yielded iconic Hollywood moments, most famously portraying Pontius Pilate in the epic Ben‑Hur (1959) and Herod Antipas in King of Kings (1961), making him the only actor to embody both men who ordered Christ’s crucifixion on screen. Back in Australia he continued to shine in films such as Age of Consent (1969), Ned Kelly (1970) and the cult classic Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985). A frequent television personality, he delighted viewers as the villainous Doctor Stark on Skippy the Bush Kangaroo and as the flamboyant spokesperson in memorable licence‑fee commercials. Known for his perpetual black attire and theatrical home décor, Thring cultivated a larger‑than‑life persona that both enchanted and mystified. Despite struggles with alcoholism and health, his artistry earned him the Erik Kuttner Award (1965) and the honor of being crowned King of Melbourne’s Moomba Festival in 1982. He passed away on 29 December 1994 from esophageal cancer, leaving a legacy of bold performances and an indelible imprint on stage and screen.
Frank Thring: Questions & Answers
How many movies Frank Thring has made, the biggest hit, the best-rated film, the award record and more, answered from the filmography above.
How many movies has Frank Thring been in?
Frank Thring is credited on 12 films, from 1958 to 1987. The filmography on this page lists every one of them, newest first, with the role and the Movie Echo Score.
What is Frank Thring's highest-grossing movie?
The Vikings (1958) is Frank Thring's biggest box office hit, with $37.6K worldwide, ahead of The Man from Hong Kong (1975) ($684). Across every film with box office figures, Frank Thring's movies have made $38.2K.
Frank Thring's biggest hits What is Frank Thring's newest movie?
The most recent film on Frank Thring's filmography is Howling III: The Marsupials (1987), in the role of Jack Citron.
Who does Frank Thring work with most often?
Frank Thring shares the most films with Hurd Hatfield (2 films) and Orson Welles (2 films).
The Best Frank Thring Movies, Ranked
Top rated, most awarded and biggest box office hits from 12 credits.
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