GIBSON, John Stephen (1948-2012)

Modified on Sun, 09 Oct 2016 16:48 by Con — Categorized as: Biography - All, Biography - Staff, Geelong College

John Gibson (Staff, 1986).

John Gibson (Staff, 1986).

GIBSON, John Stephen (1948-2012).


Staff member, John Gibson was one of the College’s most memorable teachers inspiring several generations of students including international actor Guy Pearce who attended John’s funeral at Clunes, NSW. John was a gifted and dedicated Director and teacher of Drama at the College from 1977 to 1990 and Head of Morrison House from 1983 to 1990.

Educated at All Saints College, Bathurst from where he matriculated in 1965 John first worked at CSR from 1966 to 1971 in administration. In 1972 however, he changed vocation and entered the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) from where he graduated in 1974. After several years acting, principally with the Melbourne Theatre Company, he was appointed to the College in 1977. Ray Lawler, author of Summer of the Seventeenth Doll described John in 1976 as ‘an accomplished performer, versatile, and with a very keen awareness of theatrical values’ who could provide a ‘most stimulating and enlivening influence on young people’ .

After leaving College, John taught in northern NSW eventually joining the casting agency Faith Martin Film and Television. John Gibson died on 31 January, 2012. Former College Principal, Peter Gebhardt, prepared a eulogy for John’s funeral. John’s children, David, and Tom, both attended College.


Sources: Pegasus, 1990 p114; Andrew Gibson; Northern Star (Lismore) 4 February 2012.