Mark Mitchell (actor)

Mark Mitchell (born 29 September 1954) is an Australian actor, comedian and contemporary artist, best known for his roles in the sketch comedy series The Comedy Company, most especially his character of Greek Australian greengrocer Con the Fruiterer, as well as his role in Round the Twist as greedy real estate agent Mr. Gribble. Mark Mitchell was born in Melbourne, Victoria. He studied at the University of Melbourne in English and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and then attended Rusden College (now part of Deakin University). completing a Diploma of Education. Prior to his showbiz and acting career, Mitchell taught English at a secondary school for five years before becoming an advertising copy-writer prior. He started in entertainment by starring in the pioneering sketch comedy show The Eleventh Hour, a predecessor to hit sketch show The Comedy Company. He portrayed numerous characters on the show, but was best known for his comic character of bumbling greengrocer 'Con the Fruiterer'. Mitchell stated he created Con after being served by two Greek Australian stall holders at the Glenferrie Markets in 1984. The character became known nationally from regular appearances in The Comedy Company, for which he also created the character of Con's wife, Marika. Mitchell has made many guest appearances on Australian television series such as SeaChange, Neighbours, Something in the Air, Blue Heelers, Prisoner, Special Squad, Willing and Abel, Dogwoman and Upper Middle Bogan. He also starred in children's television programs Round the Twist as greedy real estate agent Mr. Gribble as well as Lift Off and The Genie From Down Under.