Who Do You Think You Are?: Sept 15

This week on Who Do You Think You Are? Greig Pickhaver steps out from behind the mask of HG Nelson, and investigates a possible family link to Ian Turpie.

“A number of people who listen to Roy & HG don’t accept that they are characters. They think they are real people. Having spent a whole lifetime being someone else, I need to try and work out the drama of the lives that have preceded me.” – Greig Pickhaver

Iconic entertainer Greig Pickhaver, known for his comedic alter ego HG Nelson, investigates the leading characters in his family history in the new series of Who Do You Think you Are? His search uncovers a criminal on the run from authorities and reveals a side to his mother he never knew.

Greig’s Great-Grandfather, Samuel Rinder, made his fortune as a sheep trader in Bendigo in the late 19th century. As a wealthy man Rinder spent much of his time and money at the racetrack, but as the economic recession loomed Greig discovers he resorted to fraud and became a wanted man.

Throughout Greig’s childhood his family history was rarely discussed, and part of the family folklore that remains unexplored is a link to legendary Australian entertainer Ian ‘Turps’ Turpie. Having worked with Turps, Greig is excited to discover that they are part of the one family.

Greig also investigates a family secret that’s much closer to home. His childhood was dominated by his parents’ troubled marriage and a mother devoid of affection. For the first time, Greig explores the events which shaped his mother’s life – discovering a woman he never knew.

Greig sets off on the journey looking for people in his history who might explain why there is an HG Nelson. At every turn he found people who were not really themselves.

On reflection Greig reveals: “Having spent a whole lifetime being someone else I’m now more prepared to be myself. And if you imagine that coming from an hour of television then that is quite an achievement!”

7:30pm Tuesday SBS.