Greg Tait is an Indigenous Australian actor, and musician. He is also a former policeman who sits on some Indigenous committees. His acting credits include the role of Texas in the award winning 2011 film, Mad Bastards, Satellite Boy and a recurring role in the series Firebite.
Background Originally from Halls Creek in the East Kimberley, Western Australia, he is an established singer on the Kimberley Country Music scene. His debut album was Silver Stallion.Whaddayow Music - Greg Tait Up until his acting debut, he had a long career as a policeman. He had no real acting experience, but Mad Bastards' director Brendan Fletcher who was looking for a larger than life character came across him and selected him for the role. Tait took time off his law enforcement job to work with Fletcher.The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 April 2011 - Wild, wild west - Garry Maddox
Leaving school at the age of 12, he spent time in and out of jail and ended up with a criminal record. Fathering a child at 18, he ended up joining the Army Reserves which put him in a different direction. At 21, he was an Aboriginal Police Liaison Officer. He gave up drinking in 1990. As a policeman, he has had to lock up close family members including his sister and brother.The West Australian, Sat, 15 January 2011 - Bright lights beckon Kimberley's Mad Bastards - Flip Prior He was a policeman for 17 years in Western Australia.Wunan Foundation. - OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM Greg Tait He was interviewed by Deadly Vibe magazine regarding his life experiences and the role in the film.Deadly Vibe, 25 July 2011. - Second Chance – Greg Tait
He is a senior member of the Ngarrawanji native title claim group.National Native Title Tribunal - - FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA, Farrer on behalf of the Ngarrawanji Native Title Claim Group v State of Western Australia (2019) FCA 655Kimberley Land Council - Historic week of three Kimberley native title determinations He is also the vice-president of The Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation (KSGAC).The Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation (KSGAC) - KSGAC has played a pivotal role in assisting East Kimberley Aboriginal ex-servicemen gain recognition for their Army Service.
Film work Playing the burly local policeman in Mad Bastards which is set in a small Kimberley town, he tries to keep the peace with locals as well as within his own family. He also forms a men's group.Port Lincoln Times, 9 November 2012 - Slice of blackfella life hits close to home by Paul ByrnesAustralian Screen - Mad Bastards (2011) In the film, he is the grandfather of the boy Bullet who is being sought out by his father TJ (played by Dean Daley-Jones). The grandson is in trouble so rather than send him to detention, he sends him to a camp for a couple of weeks. Texas and TJ eventually have a physical confrontation.Australian Screen An NFSA Website - Mad Bastards (2011), SynopsisArena Magazine, 112 June 2011 - MAD BASTARDS
He had a role in the film, Satellite Boy which also starred David Gulpilil, Cameron Wallaby, Joseph Pedley and Dean Daley-Jones.SBS -2021 Satellite Boy
He played the role of Smokey in the Australian series Firebite which ran from 2021 to 2022.Australian Television Information Archive, Australiantelevision.net - Firebite: episode guideTV Guide - Firebite - Full Cast & Crew
Filmography + Film Title Role Director Year Notes Mad Bastards Texas Brendan Fletcher 2010 The West Australian, Mon, 10 September 2012 - Mad Bastards strikes health chord - Mark Naglazas Satellite Boy Aboriginal Liaison Catriona McKenzie 2012 SBS.com.au - 2012 Satellite Boy
+ Television Title Episode Role Director Year Notes Firebite "The Last Bloodhunter" Smokey Warwick Thornton 2021 Firebite "We Don't Go Down" Smokey Warwick Thornton 2021 Firebite "I Wanna Go Home" Smokey Tony Krawitz 2022 Firebite "The Bastard King" Smokey Tony Krawitz 2022 Firebite "Hero's Life" Smokey Brendan Fletcher 2022 Firebite "The Rise of the Fallen" Smokey Brendan Fletcher 2022 australian television information archive - Firebite: episode guide
Further reading Deadly Vibe, 25 July 2011 Second Chance – Greg Tait The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 April 2011 - Wild, wild west - Garry Maddox
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