He was tipped to be the next Mel Gibson before a shocking tragedy: The heartbreaking story of a promising young Aussie star whose career was cut short by a horrific accident

In the booming era of 1980s Australian cinema, one young actor stood out as one of the brightest prospects of his generation, alongside Mel Gibson and Bryan Brown.

Jon Blake seemed destined for stardom, with his piercing looks, strong performances and a growing series of film and TV credits to his name.

Industry insiders said he looked to follow in the footsteps of Aussie actor Mel Gibson to the international stage of Hollywood stardom.

But one horrific night in December 1986 changed everything.

Blake was involved in a catastrophic car crash in regional South Australia while driving home from filming The Lighthorsemen. 

Although only suffering minor physical injuries, he suffered brain damage which left him permanently paralysed, unable to ever speak again – and he spent the next 25 years in a coma-like state, receiving round-the-clock care.

Born in 1958 in Hornsby, New South Wales, Blake trained as a boxer in his youth and his striking looks and charismatic presence quickly caught the attention of casting directors on the hunt for rising talent. 

In the early ’80s, he appeared in several popular Aussie TV shows including The Restless Years, A Country Practice, and Five Mile Creek, as well as films such as Freedom and Cool Change, earning praise for his versatility and commanding presence.

However, it was his role in the Logie Award-winning 1985 miniseries ANZACS, opposite Crocodile Dundee star Paul Hogan, that brought him both critical and mainstream acclaim.

His portrayal of a young Australian fighting in WWI resonated with audiences and cemented his reputation as one of the era’s most promising actors.

A TV Week article from 1985 wrote that, ‘Blake has emerged as one of Australia’s hottest acting properties after winning a role. ANZACS is set to make Jon one of our biggest names.’ 

Blake followed it up with other strong roles, including the crime drama Running From the Guns, opposite Neighbours star Nikki Coghill and Mark Hembrow.

His rugged looks, easy-going nature and boyish charm also saw him named one of Cleo magazine’s most eligible bachelors of the year in 1986. 

But then tragedy befell him just as he was on the brink of Hollywood stardom, with his accident causing shockwaves throughout the industry.

Colleagues and industry heavyweights often spoke of Blake’s rare combination of intensity and charm and expressed their deep sadness that the accident robbed him of his future.

He could shift effortlessly between sensitive, introspective portrayals and more rugged, action-driven characters – a skill that had many in the industry predicting he could have been Australia’s next international star. 

In his short yet brilliant career, Blake shared the screen with some of Australia’s most renowned stars, including Deborra-Lee Furness, Sigrid Thornton, Steve Bisley and Toni Lamond. 

The tragedy of Blake’s crash at just 28 was compounded by its timing – he was just on the cusp of international stardom.

Opportunities that might have defined the next chapter of Australian cinema and inspired generations of actors were abruptly erased. 

After a lengthy legal battle, Blake’s family was awarded $7.7million for his ongoing care and his future lost potential earnings. 

Industry heavyweights including David Stratton, Mad Max director George Miller and Picnic At Hanging Rock producer Hal McElroy all testified on his behalf, stating Blake had the ‘It Factor’ to be Australia’s next big star – which was cruelly taken from him. 

Blake remains fondly remembered by those who worked with him. 

‘We had formed a really good friendship in The Lighthorsemen going up to the hills and to the pub together. There was always some hope that with the mystery of a brain injury there was a chance,’ Blake’s co-star Peter Phelps reflected.

‘We got on very well… we used to sit around and shoot the breeze, and he was very popular with the ladies,’ said co-star Gary Sweet. 

Blake’s brief but profound impact on the industry stands as a testament to his remarkable talent.

He died from pneumonia in May 2011.