Paul Mercurio
Beloved Australian Actor, Dancer, TV Presenter, Foodie, and Politician
Paul Mercurio is a renowned and beloved Australian actor, dancer, TV presenter and foodie. An impressive speaker, he teaches audiences the importance of following their passions and interests. Additionally, in November 2022 Paul was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly, winning the ultra-marginal seat of Hastings for the Australian Labor Party.
At the young age of 9, Paul’s passion for dance begun. By 19 he was Principal Dancer, obtaining the highest rank, with the Sydney Dance Company and maintained this position for a decade. During this time, he was commissioned to choreograph six works performed by the company.
Later, Mercurio left the Sydney Dance Company with the intent to found and direct the Australian Choreographic Ensemble which danced from 1992 to 1998. Here he regained Principal Dancer and was also appointed Principal Choreographer.
Receiving the Mo Award for Dance Performer of the Year in 1992, Paul’s choreographic credits include over thirty dance works across both stage and TV. He could also be seen contributing his unique choreography on Australian classics such as “Strictly Ballroom”, and has choreographed 4 other feature films, one of which Paul was the movement consultant on Will Smith’s mega blockbuster ‘I, Robot’. Later this year (2004) Paul was nominated for a Helpmann award for his choreography for the musical “Annie Get Your Gun”.
Paul then went on to make his mark as an actor and presenter, receiving nomination for an AFI award for best actor, for his performance in ‘Strictly Ballroom’, followed by a nomination for the Logie Award for his work in ‘Day of the Roses’. Appearing in 14 US and Australian feature films and countless hours of television spanning drama, comedy and lifestyle, Paul could also be seen in ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in both the Australian and New Zealand versions.
Having hosted two series of the food and travel series, 'The Food Trail' and 'Mercurio's Menu’, Paul shares his love and passion for all things food. With a peak audience of over one million viewers, 'Mercurio’s Menu' has had significant success, screening on free to air on channel Seven Foxtel, and beloved across 48 countries worldwide
Under the same name, ‘Mercurio’s Menu’, Paul released a bestselling cookbook in 2009, based on the recipes from series one and two of the show. Although Mercurio has never been professionally culinary trained, it's his deep passion for food, cooking and brewing that inspires him. Paul continues to sample all the culinary wonders of the various places and cultures he has the opportunity to experience, telling his story through food all along the way.