Kevin Harrington has been cast as Australian ultra-marathon runner Cliff Young in upcoming ABC1 telemovie Cliffy.
Set against the backdrop of the early-80s, Cliffy will retrace Young’s journey from his days training in cow paddocks on his farm to winning the inaugural Sydney to Melbourne ultra-marathon at 61-years of age.
“It's a great honour to be given the opportunity to celebrate the achievements and the character of such an extraordinary Australian," Harrington said in a statement. “I've lost 11 kilos and I'm working on his voice. Mind you, the time is fast approaching to stop talking the talk, and start shuffling the shuffle. Jeez, I hope I don't bugger it up!”
Harrington (Underbelly, Seachange, Neighbours), will star alongside Roy Billing (Jack Irish, Underbelly, Rake), who will play Young's unconventional trainer and masseur, Wally.
Producer Nigel Odell said the filmmakers had learnt a lot about Cliff Young through research and discussion with his brother Sid, and other family and friends.
“Kevin has many of the same personal qualities as Cliff and he’s been working extremely hard in preparing for the part," he said in a statement. "We are delighted to be working with an actor of Kevin’s calibre, and we look forward to capturing the memory and legacy of the great Cliff Young.”
The telemovie was written by Robert B. Taylor (Muggers) and will be directed by Dean Murphy (Charlie & Boots, Strange Bedfellows).
Filming begins on April 16 in regional Victoria.
Contact this reporter at bswift@www.if.com.au or on Twitter at @bcswift.
Kevin Harrington as Cliff Young.