The MEAA Equity Foundation is pleased to announce acclaimed Australian actor Don Bridges as the recipient of its 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his extraordinary career and deep commitment to the performing arts community.
A highly respected and much-loved figure in the industry, Don has built an extensive body of work across television, film, and theatre in Australia and the United Kingdom over almost six decades.
His career includes more than 130 film and television credits, hundreds of short film performances, and more than 25 productions with the Melbourne Theatre Company.
Don’s screen credits include Judy and Punch, Romper Stomper, Evil Angels, Malcolm, Gettin’ Square, The Hard Word, The Oyster Farmer, Charlotte’s Web and the recent US production, Mr Irrelevant.
His television work spans generations of Australian storytelling, with roles in The Twelve, Nautilus, The Clearing, Jack Irish, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Blue Heelers, Neighbours, Something in the Air and Upper Middle Bogan, among many others.
MEAA Equity Federal President Asabi Goodman said the award recognised both Don’s remarkable body of work and his advocacy for the profession.
“Choosing a recipient for this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was no easy task,” Asabi said.
“Ultimately, we chose someone who not only has an impressive resume and longevity in the industry, but who also exemplifies what it means to be an Equity member — someone who has acted as an advocate for the community, supporting the ideas of collective bargaining that help strengthen our industry.”
In addition to his acting career, Don is an accomplished musician, director, voice artist and acting teacher, and has mentored countless performers throughout his career.
He continues to give back to the industry as Vice President of the Victorian Actors Benevolent Trust, supporting members of the arts community in times of need.
In accepting the award, Don said he was thrilled by the honour.
“I have always just tried to do the best work I can, and to always be there for younger performers, offering guidance and advice when needed,” he said.
“‘Passing it on’ is surely the best thing we can do for our industry and our colleagues.”
The Equity Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2009 to honour Australian performers who have had a distinguished career and been an inspiration to their colleagues and the wider industry. Previous winners include Bruce Spence, Maggie Dence, Peter Carroll, Bob Hornery, Jill Perryman, Ron Haddrick, Kevan Johnston, Toni Lamond AM, Grant Page, Anne Phelan, Noeline Brown, Julia Blake, Terry Norris, Lillian Crombie, Ningali Lawford-Wolf, John Bell, Anna Volska, Chris Anderson and Nancye Hayes AM.
The 2026 Equity Lifetime Achievement Award is proudly supported by Media Super.
Don will receive his award at a ceremony at the Sydney Theatre Company in June.
