Garry Pankhurst first captured hearts as Sonny Hammond in the classic Australian children’s series Skippy during the late 1960s. Though his time in front of the camera was brief, viewers often wonder: how old is Garry Pankhurst today? With birth data available from reliable sources, we can piece together his current age and reflect on his journey from child actor to entrepreneur and exporter.
Birth Date and Early Life
Garry Pankhurst was born in October 1957 in Australia. While the exact day isn’t widely documented, both database entries and fan-maintained profiles consistently list October 1957 as his birth month and year. This places his beginnings firmly in that year, making him part of the baby boomer generation in Australia.
Early Acting Career
At around nine or ten years old, Garry landed the role of Sonny Hammond on Skippy the Bush Kangaroo from 1966 to 1969. Despite stepping away from showbiz by age 12, his role in such a beloved series ensured lifelong recognition.
Calculating Garry Pankhurst’s Age
- Birth month/year: October 1957
- Turned 66 in October 2023
- Turned 67 in October 2024
- Currently 67 years old as of June 2025
- Will turn 68 in October 2025
As of June 2025, Garry Pankhurst is 67 years old, celebrating another birthday this coming October.
Confirmation From Multiple Sources
Fan sites and databases such as Whosdatedwho, FamousFix, and DBpedia list his birth year as 1957, with his current age between 66 and 67. Some sources like IMDb and TMDB list 1958, but the preponderance of evidence supports October 1957 as more reliable.
Why the Confusion?
Minor discrepancies in fan databases and online profiles are common for actors from earlier decades, especially those who left fame early. However, official and better-documented sources reinforce the 1957 birth year.
Life After Skippy
Following his early acting career, Garry pivoted toward hospitality, working in hotels and restaurants. He later entered the meat export industry earning attention for exporting kangaroo meat to Malaysia in what he jokingly called Sonny’s revenge. Though largely out of the public eye, his enterprise shifted his life from actor to businessman.
Personal Life
- Married (reportedly to Debra or Donna Pankhurst)
- Father of two children
These details highlight his transition to family life and entrepreneurship after childhood fame.
Summary Table
- Birth: October 1957 (most credible sources)
- Age as of June 2025: 67 years old
- Age in October 2025: 68
- Career highlights: Child actor, hotel manager, meat exporter
Why His Age Matters to Fans
Understanding Garry’s current age offers context to his life trajectory from childhood fame to mature adulthood and business endeavors. For fans who grew up watching him, knowing he’s now in his late 60s bridges nostalgia with his real-world evolution. It also speaks to how early fame shaped lasting memories, even if his time in the spotlight was brief.
Legacy and Public Memory
- 67 years old today
- Transitioned out of acting decades ago
- Built a career outside entertainment
- Skippy remains his most enduring contribution
Garry Pankhurst, the young star of Skippy, was born in October 1957, making him 67 years old as of mid-2025, turning 68 this coming October. Though his time on screen ended at age 12, his impact endures in Australian TV history. He has since built a life as a family man and businessman, showing that early fame can evolve into a fulfilling adult career away from the spotlight.