children, Jack and Charlotte. Their relationship was briefly in the media when an argument led to a domestic violence court order against Friels: however, they remained together. In late 1997, Friels was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. However, his treatment was successful, and he is one of the very few sufferers of this disease to go into long-term remission. During his treatment he continued to work on the set of Water Rats, until eventually the impact of the chemotherapy stopped him working, and he chose to have his character written out of the series by sending him on a sailing journey around the world. At this time, however, he also continued his stage work, and was performing in Sydney Theatre Company's Macbeth. Political views Friels believes that social and political awareness comes with acting, and is known for his engagement in policy debates, including industrial issues such as workplace relations and free trade. He publicly criticised Bush administration policy in the Middle East, and supported the Sydney Peace Foundation. His engagement with social issues has been evident in his acting work, with two prominent examples being his lead role in Ground Zero, in which he played a cameraman investigating British nuclear testing in South Australia, and his appearance in the ABC television drama Bastard Boys, in which he played union official John Coombs. Filmography Film Big Toys (TV movie) (1980) Hoodwink (1981) – Robert Monkey Grip (1982) – Javo Prisoners (1982) - Nick Buddies (1983) – Mike The Coolangatta Gold (aka The Gold & the Glory) (1984) – Adam Lucas The Man in the Iron Mask (animated) (1985) - Phillipe (voice) Kangaroo (1986) – Richard Somers Malcolm (1986) – Malcolm Hughes Ground Zero (1987) – Harvey Denton Warm Nights on a Slow Moving Train (1988) - The Man Grievous Bodily Harm (1988) - Tom Stewart High Tide (1988) – Mick Darkman (1990) – Louis Strack Jr Weekend with Kate (1990) – Richard Muir Class Action (1991) – Michael Grazier Dingo (1992) – John ‘Dingo’ Anderson The Last Man Hanged (1992) - Ronald Ryan The Nostradamus Kid (1993) - American Preacher The Burning Piano: A Portrait of Patrick White (TV movie) (1993) A Good Man in Africa (1994) – Morgan Leafy Angel Baby (1995) – Morris Back of Beyond (1995) - Connor Cosi (1996) – Errol Grier Mr. Reliable (aka My Entire Life) (1996) – Wally Mellish Dark City (1998) – Eddie