Sir Robert Helpmann born 9 April in 1909 (d. 1986)Born in Mount Gambier, South Australia, Robert Helpman(n) always dreamed of being a dancer. In 1926 he joined the touring company of the Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova but ballet opportunities were few in Australia at that time so in 1932 he went to London. He joined the Sadler's Wells, later the Royal Ballet and was a principal dancer from 1933 to 1950. He established a great partnership with Margot Fonteyn, and together with choreographer Frederick Ashton, created many great roles, whilst also occasionally undertaking straight acting roles.
Helpmann and Fonteyn toured the United States as principal dancers with the Royal Ballet in 1949 and caused a sensation, making stars of them all. Past his peak as a dancer, his new found fame enabled him to move further into acting and direction. He began to produce his own ballets, particularly during the war when Frederick Ashton was drafted - Helpmann as an Australian was not - and acted in Shakepeare at Stratford and the Old Vic in London. He also appeared in several films, notably Powell and Pressburger's ballet films The Red Shoes (1948) and The Tales of Hoffmann (1951). He is possibly best known for his appearance as the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968).
In 1965 he returned to Australia, and although the return of its famous flamboyant and openly gay son caused some consternation, he set about developing the profile of ballet, working with the fledgeling Australian Ballet and creating pioneering and avant-garde new work. Named 'Australian of the Year' in 1965, Helpmann was knighted in 1968.
In 1938, Helpmann had met a young Oxford undergraduate while fulfilling an invitation to dance at the University. Immediately drawn to the handsome and intelligent Michael Benthall, the pair formed a relationship that was to last for 36 years until Benthall's untimely death in 1974. Living discretely, the couple lived and often worked together quite openly for the time. Although devastated by the loss of his longtime companion and collaborator, 'Sir Bobby' continued to act, direct and produce with his legendary theatrical flair until his death. He died in Sydney of a chronic respiratory illness in 1986. He was 77.