One of the most obvious parts of my character is the smile, and if I wasn't comfortable in myself then I wouldn't be able to smile so much.

I was the son of a publican and a master builder. He ran the Empire Hotel in North Hobart. His name was Max, too. Big Max.

I was good at football and cricket at school. My dad said, 'Son, be an architect,' and I came to Melbourne passionate about becoming an architect.

I used to want to be a lawyer, but I didn't want to have half my brain sucked out.

One of the most obvious parts of my character is the smile, and if I wasn't comfortable in myself then I wouldn't be able to smile so much.

When I go and speak now at all sorts of conferences, later in the night there's always a better Maxie Walker than me. Billy Birmingham's legendary for basically being able to verbally kneecap any of a number of Australia's characters, particularly in the commentary box.

I practised as an architect for 10 years. I qualified in 1973 with a fellowship diploma of architecture. World Series Cricket gave me the freedom to go out and pursue architecture.