Antony Hamilton was an Australian actor, model, and dancer who rose to prominence in the 1980s, becoming well-known for his dashing good looks, charisma, and his role as Jack Striker on the television series Cover Up. After replacing Jon-Erik Hexum following Hexum’s tragic on-set death, Hamilton brought his own unique blend of charm and action-hero presence to the show. Beyond Cover Up, Hamilton’s career spanned television, film, and fashion, where he excelled as a model for some of the most prominent designers of the era. Despite a career filled with promise, Hamilton’s life was tragically cut short when he passed away at the age of 42, but his impact on 1980s pop culture remains.
Early Life and Dance Career
Antony Hamilton was born Antony Hamilton Smith on May 4, 1952, in Liverpool, England. He was adopted as a young child by an Australian couple, Donald Smith and Margaret Hamilton, and relocated to Adelaide, South Australia, where he grew up. His adoptive parents provided him with a supportive and nurturing environment, encouraging his artistic inclinations from a young age.
Hamilton’s natural athleticism and grace led him to study classical ballet. He trained at the prestigious Australian Ballet School, where he developed his skills as a dancer. His talent in ballet was undeniable, and he soon earned a position with the Australian Ballet Company. During his years as a dancer, Hamilton performed in numerous productions, captivating audiences with his elegance, strength, and ability to communicate through movement. His ballet career took him to stages around the world, allowing him to travel extensively.
However, while Hamilton excelled as a ballet dancer, he eventually decided to pursue other opportunities in the world of entertainment. As his dancing career came to a close, he transitioned into modeling, an industry where his chiseled looks, 6’2″ frame, and innate charisma made him an instant success.
Transition to Modeling and the World of Fashion
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Antony Hamilton’s entry into the modeling world marked the beginning of his career as an international fashion icon. With his striking appearance and natural ease in front of the camera, Hamilton quickly became a highly sought-after model. He appeared on the covers of numerous high-profile magazines and worked with some of the biggest names in fashion, including famed designers like Gianni Versace and Giorgio Armani.
Hamilton’s success as a model allowed him to cross over into the realm of television and film. Modeling also provided him with exposure that would open the door to acting opportunities, and it wasn’t long before Hollywood came calling. As he made the transition from the runway to the screen, Hamilton brought with him the sophistication, confidence, and poise he had developed as a model.
Acting Career and Cover Up
Antony Hamilton’s acting career began to take shape in the early 1980s, with small roles in television and film. His tall, statuesque appearance, combined with his captivating presence, made him a natural fit for action and adventure roles, where he could utilize his athletic skills and physicality. His first major break came when he appeared in the 1984 film Samson and Delilah, in which he played the role of Samson, the legendary biblical figure known for his immense strength. This role showcased Hamilton’s ability to portray larger-than-life characters, setting the stage for future work in action-packed dramas.
Hamilton’s most significant role, however, came later in 1984 when he was cast as Jack Striker in the CBS series Cover Up. The show, which followed the adventures of a fashion photographer (played by Jennifer O’Neill) and her partner, a secret agent, originally starred Jon-Erik Hexum as Mac Harper. However, after Hexum’s tragic accidental death on set, the producers of Cover Up were faced with the difficult decision of how to move forward with the series.
Antony Hamilton was brought in as Hexum’s replacement, taking on the role of Jack Striker, a new character introduced to carry on the series. While stepping into a role under such circumstances was undoubtedly challenging, Hamilton rose to the occasion. He brought his own unique qualities to the character—strong, confident, yet sensitive—allowing him to develop a rapport with Jennifer O’Neill and the rest of the cast. His portrayal of Striker helped the show maintain its action-packed tone, blending suspense, espionage, and fashion in a way that captivated audiences.
Despite Hamilton’s strong performance, Cover Up struggled to regain the momentum it had before Hexum’s untimely death, and the series was canceled after one season. However, Hamilton’s role on the show earned him a loyal fanbase and solidified his place in the hearts of 1980s TV viewers.
Film Roles and the Mission: Impossible Reboot
In addition to his television work, Antony Hamilton also made a mark in the world of film. One of his more notable film roles came in 1986 when he appeared in Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf, the sequel to the 1981 horror film The Howling. In the film, Hamilton portrayed Stefan Crosscoe, a fearless werewolf hunter. Though the film itself received mixed reviews, Hamilton’s performance was noted for his strong screen presence and ability to handle the action-oriented aspects of the role.
Hamilton’s acting career received another major boost in 1988 when he was cast as the lead in the reboot of the iconic television series Mission: Impossible. The original series had been a huge success in the 1960s, and the new version sought to capitalize on the popularity of action and espionage dramas of the 1980s. Hamilton was cast as Max Harte, one of the core members of the Impossible Missions Force (IMF) tasked with carrying out dangerous and complex assignments around the world.
Mission: Impossible ran for two seasons from 1988 to 1990, and while the reboot never quite reached the same level of cultural impact as the original series, Hamilton’s portrayal of Harte was well-received. The role allowed him to showcase his athleticism and skill in action sequences, and it helped further solidify his reputation as a strong leading man in adventure-oriented television.
Personal Life and Struggles
While Antony Hamilton enjoyed professional success in the worlds of fashion, television, and film, his personal life was marked by struggles. As a closeted gay man working in an industry that was often unforgiving toward LGBTQ+ individuals during the 1980s, Hamilton faced challenges that he kept largely private. The pressure to conform to the public image of a heterosexual leading man in Hollywood, combined with the overall stigma surrounding homosexuality at the time, made it difficult for Hamilton to be open about his identity.
In the early 1990s, Hamilton contracted HIV, a diagnosis that was especially devastating during a time when the AIDS crisis was claiming the lives of many individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. Despite his diagnosis, Hamilton continued to work and remained active in the entertainment industry. However, his health eventually declined, and he passed away from AIDS-related complications on March 29, 1995, at the age of 42.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Antony Hamilton’s life and career were marked by his exceptional talent, versatility, and striking presence, both on and off-screen. While his time in the spotlight was tragically cut short, his contributions to television and film during the 1980s remain appreciated by fans of the era. His performances in Cover Up and Mission: Impossible showcased his ability to carry action-heavy roles, and his modeling career helped establish him as one of the most recognizable faces of the decade.
In many ways, Antony Hamilton represented the quintessential 1980s leading man—handsome, athletic, and charismatic. Yet, his life also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the entertainment industry during a period of intense discrimination and fear surrounding the AIDS crisis.
Though his career was tragically brief, Hamilton’s work continues to be remembered by those who admired his performances, and his legacy as an actor and model from a formative time in television history lives on.