DARWIN: Entertainment sources are abuzz with rumours that former East Timor INTERFET force chief Major General Peter Cosgrove will soon tour Australia starring as the title character in the Louis Nowra play, Cosi.
Military chiefs have denied the rumours and Defence Minister John Moore also hosed down the issue, saying he hoped Major General Cosgrove would stay in the armed services.
But the minister admitted the general was also known as Cosi to close aides. He was also "aware of the Major General’s performance abilities”.
Nevertheless, the Australian military could not afford to lose such a gifted and skilled leader.
“I have it on good authority that the Major General was something of a star in the revues at Duntroon, but that was then, and this is now," the minister said.
“I think if Major General Cosgrove is to enter the media or entertainment industries, he’ll do so at the appropriate moment, and not compromise Australia’s security at this delicate time.”
It is believed that nearly all capital city arts festival directors are seeking the general to star as Cosi to headline their annual festivals.
Entertainment figures say the real-life Cosi’s smooth performance in the heat of the East Timor media spotlight has alerted industry giants to his talent.
It is believed that he is also being headhunted by Sixty Minutes, A Current Affair, Australia’s Funniest Home Videos and Bert Newton’s Good Morning Australia, and by several film casting agents.
Promotion guru Harry M. Miller denied having General Cosgrove on his books, but added the General would make his move into the arts “when the time’s right”.
Mr Miller said Cosi has had several highly paid film offers.
“Paul Hogan wants him to be in the next Crocodile Dundee film, which will be set in East Timor.
“Apparently Linda Kozlowski goes there as a journalist and gets kidnapped by General Wiranto and the son-in-law of Suharto.
“Dundee and Cosi go in, and blow the shit out of the bastards and rescue her.
“That bloke who goes around chasing Komodo dragons like he’s on speed also wanted him too.
“And the ABC are thinking of doing a bush tucker show based on East Timor.”
The Bug tried to contact Major General Cosgrove, but was told he was at Advanced Hair Studios tapping a commercial with Greg Matthews.

Report: Jeff Grehan

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