A Picture of the Radio Actor at Work

This staged photo, which appears to be from the mid 1980s, depicts Denzil in his element, doing what he loved, performing for radio with fellow actors.

Denzil’s radio acting career probably began during the war years while at Heidelberg Military hospital. In Warrnambool after the war he was writing and performing in radio plays (and roping in other staff members to fill parts).

ABC drama and schools broadcasts were a regular “second job” from the 1950s well into the 1970s. In later years he kept his hand in with commercial voice over work.

His resonant voice and precise diction were a natural gift. He also was very capable at character voices, young and old, and with accents, especially those of the British Isles.

After his retirement from full-time employment in the 1980s and 90s he produced hundreds of audio documentaries and interviews in his home studio, many of which aired on ABC radio or Radio Australia.

In this photo we see (l to r) David Bradshaw, Brenda Beddison, Sydney Conabere (?), Denzil, Reg Gorman and Graham Dow. The “CML” on the microphone stands for the Colonial Mutual company.