Whiteley Family Genealogy & History

Arkie Deya Whiteley was a notable Australian actress, recognized for her diverse roles in both television and film. Her acting credits include prominent performances in "A Town Like Alice," "Razorback," and "Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior." Whiteley also made a significant impact on the small screen with roles in "Prisoner" and "A Country Practice." Beyond her acting career, she played a crucial role in preserving her father's artistic legacy by facilitating the purchase of Brett Whiteley's studio to be managed as a museum by the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Arkie Whiteley was born into a culturally significant family, being the daughter of renowned Australian artist Brett Whiteley and cultural figure Wendy Whiteley. Her early life included a unique experience of living at the Hotel Chelsea in New York, where her babysitter was iconic singer Janis Joplin. Her education took place at Ascham School, Australian International School, and Cremorne Girls High in Sydney.

Opal Whiteley was an American nature writer and diarist known for her acclaimed childhood diary, "The Story of Opal: The Journal of an Understanding Heart," published in 1920. Her work captivated audiences with its vivid observations of nature, earning her international fame. Whiteley was also recognized as a child prodigy, possessing a profound interest in writing and science. She gained a reputation as an amateur naturalist and a speaker for the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavour, and attended the University of Oregon, where she lectured on nature and the environment. Her diary was republished multiple times and adapted into films and theatre, highlighting her enduring influence in literature and environmental circles.

Opal Whiteley was born on December 11, 1897, in Colton, Washington, to Charles Edward and Lizzie Whiteley. Charles was of French Canadian ancestry. Despite her claims of noble French lineage, asserting she was the daughter of Henri, Prince of Orléans, and an Austrian duchess, biographers often attributed these assertions to delusions possibly linked to mental illness. Raised in poverty in Oregon by the Whiteley family, Opal's upbringing was marked by her mother’s harsh discipline, which her grandmother corroborated, suggesting a challenging family environment. Her childhood was characterized by an intense connection to nature and animals, which she documented in her writings.

Brett Whiteley AO, an influential Australian artist, was born on April 7, 1939, and is renowned for his diverse artistic career. He achieved significant acclaim by winning prestigious awards, including the Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman prizes. Whiteley’s work is held in major Australian galleries and he exhibited internationally, with notable periods spent in Italy, the UK, Fiji, and the US. His artistic journey began in Sydney, and he gained recognition for both his abstract and figurative paintings, influenced by modernist British art and his experiences in London and New York.

Whiteley married Wendy Julius in 1962, and they welcomed their daughter, Arkie Whiteley, in 1964 while living in London. The source provides no additional details regarding his parents, ancestors, or broader family origins.

Greg Beck Whiteley, born November 11, 1969, in Provo, Utah, is a renowned filmmaker and documentarian known for creating, producing, and directing acclaimed Netflix series such as "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders" (2024), "Wrestlers" (2023), "Cheer" (2020–2022), and "Last Chance U" (2016–2020). His notable films include "New York Doll" (2005), "Resolved" (2007), "Mitt" (2014), and "Most Likely to Succeed" (2015). Whiteley's work has earned him multiple Emmy Awards, IDA awards, and prestigious premieres at the Sundance Film Festival, establishing his reputation in documentary filmmaking.

Born to Jessie and Kent Whiteley, Greg Whiteley spent his formative years in Bellevue, Washington. His father's roots trace back to an Idaho potato farm, which inspired the name of his production company, One Potato Productions.