Baz Luhrmann

Luhrmann in 2011, photo by s_bukley/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Mark Anthony Luhrmann

Place of Birth: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Date of Birth: 17 September, 1962

Ethnicity: Irish, English, German

Baz Luhrmann is an Australian director, writer, and producer. He is known for having directed the films Strictly Ballroom, William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, Australia, The Great Gatsby, and Elvis, and for creating the series The Get Down, as well as stage and fashion productions.

He was born in Sydney, the son of Barbara, a ballroom dance teacher and dress shop owner, and Leonard Luhrmann, who ran a movie theatre and a petrol station. He was raised in rural, Herons Creek, New South Wales. His school nickname “Baz” referred to his hair style.

Baz is married to French-Australian costume designer Catherine Martin, with whom he has two children.

Baz’s paternal grandfather was William James Luhrmann (the son of William James Luhrmann and Monica Mary O’Loughlin). Baz’s grandfather William was born in North Kilkerran, South Australia. Baz’s great-grandfather William was the son of Friedrich Johann Luhrmann, who was German, and of Charlotte Grainger Kent, who was born in Lewes, Sussex, England. Monica was the daughter of Thomas O’Loughlin and Mary Cecelia Davoren, who were from Carron, County Clare, Ireland.

Baz’s paternal grandmother was named Alice Mary Jones. Alice was born in Gum Creek, New South Wales.

Baz’s maternal grandfather was surnamed Brennan.

Baz’s maternal grandmother was named Patricia Waterworth.

Source: Genealogy of Baz Luhrmann – http://www.genealogy.com