Biography

biopic Chard was born and raised in Swansea, South Wales, just around the bay from his favorite actor, Sir Anthony Hopkins. Coincidentally Chard had the great honor of meeting Sir Anthony recently, “Not only the finest actor, but a warm and intelligent human being. Exactly what I expected, particularly from a fellow Welshman.”

He has been a member of the media for over thirty five years, working in a tremendous number of capacities, both in front of the cameras and behind. As an actor, entertainer, singer, Chard was originally trained in Opera. After graduation from the National Drama Academy, he worked in Theater, appearing in productions from Shakespeare to Tennessee Williams, while at the same time directing touring companies.

The Hayward family moved to Sydney, Australia when he was a teenager. He finished High School there and subsequently joined the Army, where he became an officer, rising to the rank of Lieutenant while he was still nineteen. He chose not to be a career soldier however and in a few short years he was starring in the most successful program in Australian television history, appearing in 896 episodes. He also hosted a live variety show, ‘CHARD’ and a game show, ‘$30,000 TREASURE HUNT’ as well as recorded for RCA Records.

Lead roles in the Australian films, LADY, STAY DEAD and BROTHERS brought him to the U.S. on a promotional tour where he was offered a guest starring role in the epic mini-series, The Thorn Birds. His television experience in the U.S. includes Guest Starring roles in such diverse productions as Santa Barbara; Hunter; Babylon 5 and LOST. He has also starred in films in the United States, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines.

As a Producer/Director he contracted to Alan Landsburg Productions for three years, shooting the major segments for THAT’S INCREDIBLE. After also training there as an editor, his company produced and marketed a number of specials, again as diverse as FLEX APPEAL, a women’s bodybuilding video marketed in conjunction with Joe Weider; THE WAY IT WAS, a series showcasing live footage from Vietnam; TEACH YOUR BABY TO SWIM: An instructional videotape based on the best-selling book by Claire Timmermans; MILL 17: A 13 part series documenting the operation and ultimate tragic closing of the biggest paper mill in Australia; and AEGEAN SOUNDS, a 13 part variety series shot on location in Athens, Greece. He also directed and edited most of these productions.

Chard’s company also distributed videos and computer software in Australia. He was also instrumental in opening markets around the world for Aerobics Oz Style, a highly successful daily fitness program produced in Sydney by Zero1Zero.

He moved his family from Los Angeles to Ventura nine years ago when his older son, Adam, started High School. Adam won a football scholarship to San Diego State University and since graduating, he has also become an actor and has recently starred in a feature film shot in Scotland. He played a young rugby player, Keir, living under the shadow of his legendary father, Finlay Kilgour. This was a particularly rewarding experience for both of them because Chard played his father, at his son’s request. “This meant the world to me. Finlay was a wonderful character, although I admit the Scottish accent was a challenge, and working with my son was certainly one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.” Chard still lives in Ventura with his 15 year old son, Sean, a very talented musician.

Chard’s Real Estate Company owns properties in three states. “It was most important to me to provide financial security for my boys. This also gives me the freedom to do the work I want.”