"Chewing The Cud" With Bryan Brown (aka Gramps)

BB: Sport was always a big part of my youth. However at around the age of 30 I woke one Sunday morning with a dreadful hangover, turned on the tele to see 8000 people about to run from Sydney to Bondi. Were they mad? I could hardly get out of bed. The next day I started running because I knew if I didn’t the hangovers would win. I have exercised ever since almost every day.

2. What is your exercise routine now and how has it changed? 

BB: My exercise now is to start the morning with a 20 minute pilates session, followed by 5 minutes of weights and then a walk. 

My walk involves coffee and talking to anyone who’ll listen. I discovered Pilates about 7 years ago. I’m sure it’s the reason I’m still able to surf.

3. What's your definition of "healthy"?

BB: ’Healthy’ to me really involves the physical. I like to feel light and agile.

4. Have there been any significant health related events or scares that have happened to you that have changed the way you approach life? 

BB: Any significant health related events always remind me how much I enjoy living. Gonna miss this place.

5. You're no spring chicken. But your spirit is still so young and you have an amazingly positive outlook - why do you think that is?

BB: Yep guess I do have a positive outlook. That has to have come from Molly Brown who never whinged in her life yet had to work her arse off as a single parent raising two very young children. I was blessed with her as my mum.

6: Everyone has set backs, and they provide us with valuable lessons. Can you recall a time when you were really up against it, and what insight did that provide?

BB: I've always looked at setbacks as the struggle I needed to have. That was where I’d learn something. Being a salesman as a young man taught me knock backs just got me closer to the sale.

7. Do you live by any particular motto?

BB: 'Do unto others as you’d  have them do unto you’ is about as good a motto as I’ve ever heard. Not always easy.

8: What are some things you're most proud of in life?

BB: Proud is a funny word. I look around and couldn’t imagine my life without my family. I did get ‘best and fairest rugby league player’ in the St George District under 12 comp way back. Made me feel pretty good.

9. Let's say you're about to eat your last meal on earth, what is it?

BB: Last meal on earth? Wow. Steak and chips followed by vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce.

10. If you could share that meal with anyone, dead or alive, who would you share it with? (And yes it can be more than one person, but you'd all get less to eat)

BB: Would love to see my mum again to say thanks properly.