Frank Thring

Frank Thring (born 11 May, 1926; died 29 December 1994) was an Australian gay actor who was famous for his persona, as well as his performances. He appeared on stage with Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh as a touring member of the Old Vic Theatre company. Thring was well known for his appearances in various Hollywood epics including The Vikings, El Cid and Ben Hur. In the latter, he played Pontius Pilate and dropped the handkerchief to start the film's iconic chariot race. Thring was interviewed later and, commenting on director William Wyler's fastidious attitude to recording the film, said: "It took me all f***ing week to drop that hankie".

In later years, Thring played a supporting actor role in Mad Max 3, starring Mel Gibson and Tina Turner.