Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush has denied a claim of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ during a production of Shakespeare play King Lear.
Sydney Theatre Company said it received a complaint after the play’s run was over in January 2016, and that the alleged misconduct went on for months.
The Australian actor vigorously denied the claim, telling the Daily Telegraph he never heard from the Company or the complainant about the ‘matter’.
Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush (right) has denied a claim of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ during a production of Shakespeare play King Lear (pictured)
STC said the complainant requested to remain anonymous and it would thus not comment further.
‘The Company continues to work with the complainant to minimise the risk of future instances of the alleged behaviour occurring in its workplace,’ it said.
The Shakespeare play ran from November 2015 to January 2016 in the Roslyn Packer Theatre starring Rush in the title role of King Lear.
Rush’s lawyers HWL Ebsworth said the 66-year-old was not approached by either the STC or the complainant, or representatives thereof, about a complaint.
Rush vigorously denied the claim, through his lawyers, saying he never heard from the Company or the complainant
The famous Shakespeare play ran from November 2015 to January 2016 in the Roslyn Packer Theatre starring Rush (C) in the title role of King Lear
‘Further, he has not been informed by them of the nature of the complaint and what it involves,’ they said.
‘In the circumstances, if such statement has been issued by the STC it is both irresponsible and highly damaging to say the least.
‘Your understanding of what has occurred is, with the greatest respect, simply fishing and unfounded.
‘It does not warrant comment except that it is false and untrue.’
Geoffrey Rush has been married to Jane Menelaus since 1988, with whom he has a daughter Angelica born in 1992, and a son James born in 1995.
His career started on stage with the Queensland Theatre Company when his talent was spotted while he was studying at the University of Queensland.
Rush’s first play was Wrong Side of the Moon in 1971 and he regularly performed on stage even after his film career began in 1981.
He only appeared in five films before his breakout role in 1996 as David Helfgott in Shine, for which he won an Oscar for best actor.
The thespian was later nominated for Academy Awards for roles in Shakespeare in Love, Quills, and most recently The King’s Speech.
He also won two Golden Globes with three nominations, three BAFTAs, and two Helpman stage awards.