Actor Jack Thompson says his controversial nude Cleo centrefold was a ‘political statement’ to challenge ‘the country he grew up in’

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As a dedicated follower of Jack Thompson’s illustrious career, I find it fascinating to see how one bold decision can catapult a person into stardom and become a symbol of change. In 1972, when Jack agreed to be Cleo magazine’s first naked centrefold, little did he know that he was not just stripping off for $400 but making a powerful political statement that resonated beyond the pages of the magazine.

Jack Thompson has consistently supported the nudist photography session that brought him immense popularity during the 1970s.

Thompson took up the controversial offer to be Cleo magazine’s first naked centrefold in 1972. 

It was a wise move that spring-boarded his budding actor’s career to heartthrob status.

Thompson is said to have received only $400 for removing his clothes, yet the sense of honor associated with the act held far greater value to the actor.

In an Australian magazine, it marked the first time a nude centerfold appeared. Growing up, nudity wasn’t considered something to be ashamed of in my family home, as shared by the 84-year-old during an interview with Seven Spotlight on Sunday.

When asked by host Michael Usher if he was making a political statement, Thompson agreed he was. 

‘Yes, it was. That’s the first person who’s ever said that, too, but it was’ the actor said. 

At that moment, there was both shock and admiration regarding the centerfold; however, Jack claimed he was fully aware of the circumstances ahead.

He chuckled as he stated, “I didn’t find the response unexpected. After all, I come from the very nation I was raised in.

Thompson previously told the Daily Telegraph that the gig spoke to his hippy sensibilities.  

In his opinion, Ita Buttrose, the magazine, and himself considered it significant to express that nudity wasn’t illegal back then, as he put it.

Approximately eighteen months ago, I found myself witnessing the closure of the play “The Boys In The Band.” This was due to an onstage display of nudity, a practice that unfortunately didn’t align with the production’s guidelines.

Six months prior to its release, they prevented access to the theater where the musical “Hair” was about to be staged, as Jack explained.

‘It was at a time when that was a social issue.’

Thompson was actually not the first choice for the spread – Phil Avalon was approached prior. 

Avalon had already established a thriving career when the Packer Empire approached him, proposing he pose nude for a new women’s magazine.

 His agent told him it would be worth up to $5000 and ‘your privates won’t be exposed’.

In a cheerful manner, Avalon consented to move forward with the plan. However, when the budget from the publication amounted to only $400, they declined the offer from Packer’s team – and that’s how things unfolded in the end.

  

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2024-09-29 18:35