Jack Thompson Reflects on Historic Nude Photoshoot for Cleo Magazine

Jack Thompson, the acclaimed Australian actor, recently reaffirmed his decision to participate in a groundbreaking nude photoshoot for Cleo magazine in the 1970s. During a broadcast on Seven Spotlight this Sunday, the 84-year-old actor contextualized his involvement in the centrefold, which significantly boosted his career.

In 1972, Thompson accepted an unprecedented offer to become Cleo magazine’s first naked centrefold, a move that ignited widespread discussion and contributed to his rise as a coveted actor. Reflecting on the experience, he noted, “It was the first nude centrefold in an Australian magazine. Nudity was never a taboo thing in our family household.”

Thompson disclosed to Seven Spotlight host Michael Usher that his appearance carried a political message. “Yes, it was. That’s the first person who’s ever said that, too, but it was,” Thompson remarked, acknowledging the broader significance of the photoshoot in challenging societal norms of the time.

The reaction to Thompson’s centrefold was met with both outcry and admiration, which was unsurprising to the actor, who commented, “I wasn’t surprised by the reaction to it. I knew the country I’d grown up in.” He drew parallels between his decision and the vibrant socio-political landscape of Australia during the early 1970s.

Thompson recalled previous incidents where expressions of nudity encountered public backlash, citing the closure of the play “The Boys In The Band” and protests against the musical “Hair.” “It was at a time when that was a social issue,” he explained, situating his participation within a larger movement advocating for the normalization of nudity.

Interestingly, Thompson was not the initial choice for Cleo’s centrefold. Phil Avalon, a prominent model at the time, was approached first but declined the opportunity due to budgetary disagreements. The offer, initially comprising up to $5,000, was reduced to $400, prompting Avalon to withdraw, paving the way for Thompson’s involvement.