Ernie Dingo SHUNNING FAME FOR FATHERHOOD

THESE DAYS THE STAR HAS DIFFERENT PRIORITIES

He was once television's most famous traveller, but Ernie Dingo has long preferred a life far away from showbiz's twinkling lights.

So it's no wonder fans were pleasantly surprised to see the former The Great Outdoors star break cover during a rare appearance out in his home state of Western Australia. Ernie appeared in good spirits as he embraced a friend.

Nowadays the 66-year-old actor, comedian and broadcaster lives quietly in suburban Perth. It's a far cry from the glory years, which came to a halt after Ernie faced shock allegations of womanising, infidelity, and the physical assault of a schoolboy.

At the time, Ernie's now-estranged wife Sally commented, "To me, Ernie is summed up in this quote from The Life of Brian. 'He's not the Messiah. He's just a very naughty boy."

Enjoying his low-key new life, Ernie is a devoted dad to 7-year-old twin sons Jimmy and Stewie. He jokes that he can only tell his "pups" apart by their different socks. A former Perth Wildcats basketball player himself, Ernie quietly hopes his sons' long limbs qualifies them for professional careers within the sport in the future.