Last Updated: March 31, 2026
If you grew up in Australia during the 1970s and 80s, the name Mike Leyland instantly brings back memories of dusty outback roads, cheeky smiles, and that unforgettable theme song. As one half of the iconic Leyland Brothers, Mike (along with his brother Mal) turned television into a window to Australia’s wild heart. But behind the cameras and campfires was a quieter story — the story of Mike Leyland’s first wife, Patricia “Pat” Teare. Today we’re diving into her life, their marriage, and the family they built together.
Table of Contents
Who Was Mike Leyland? The Man Behind the Legend
Mike Leyland was born Michael James Leyland on 4 September 1941 in Hitchin, England. He migrated to Newcastle, NSW, with his family in 1950 and quickly fell in love with adventure and storytelling. Together with Mal, he created the hit series Ask the Leyland Brothers, which had audiences glued to their screens with a whopping 40% share at its peak. The brothers didn’t just film the outback — they lived it, often with wives and kids in tow. Mike’s warm, down-to-earth style made him a household name long before social media turned explorers into influencers.
How Mike Leyland Met and Married Pat Teare
Mike married Patricia Marie “Pat” Teare in 1965 in Hamilton, inner Newcastle. Pat wasn’t just a supportive partner; she was right there in the thick of it. Early expeditions saw her handling tough cooking duties under the stars while Mike and Mal chased their dreams. Their wedding came at a perfect time — the brothers were already filming and exploring, and Pat stepped into the adventure with grace and grit.
- Married: 1965 in Hamilton, NSW
- Pat’s full name: Patricia Marie Teare
- Early life together revolved around travel and documentary making
Their union wasn’t flashy, but it was built on shared excitement for the unknown.
Family Life and the Daughters Who Grew Up on the Road
Together, Mike and Pat welcomed three beautiful daughters: Kerry, Sandy, and Dawn. Life wasn’t always easy with constant travel, but the family made it work. The girls appeared in early documentaries, giving viewers a genuine glimpse into real Australian family adventures. Pat managed the home front while supporting Mike’s passion, often cooking under challenging conditions and keeping spirits high.
The Leyland family in 1977 showed a happy snapshot: Mike, Pat, the girls, Mal, Laraine, and others all together on the road. Those were golden years when the brothers’ shows captured the spirit of a nation still discovering its own backyard.
What Happened After the First Marriage?
Like many high-profile partnerships under constant travel pressure, Mike and Pat’s marriage eventually ended. By the early 1990s, after the brothers faced financial challenges and bankruptcy in 1992, Mike moved on. He later married his second wife, Margie, and the pair continued making documentaries for Channel Seven, including the popular Travel All Over the Countryside series. Mike passed away in 2009 at age 68 from complications related to Parkinson’s disease, leaving behind Margie, his three daughters from his first marriage, stepdaughters Sarah and Alison, and seven grandchildren.
Pat Teare’s contribution, though quieter in later years, remains an important chapter in the Leyland story — she helped lay the foundation for the adventures millions loved.
Key Facts About Mike Leyland’s Family Life
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| First Wife | Patricia Marie “Pat” Teare |
| Marriage Year | 1965 |
| Children | Kerry, Sandy, Dawn Leyland |
| Second Wife | Margie Leyland |
| Mike’s Death | 14 September 2009 (aged 68) |
| Legacy | Three daughters from first marriage; continued documentaries with Margie |
Why Pat Teare’s Story Still Matters Today
Pat Teare wasn’t just “Mike Leyland’s first wife” — she was a pioneer in her own right, raising a family while supporting one of Australia’s most beloved television adventures. In an era before fancy cameras and drones, she helped capture the real Australia with heart and resilience. Her story reminds us that behind every great explorer is often a strong partner holding down the fort (or the campfire).
Even today, with renewed interest in the Leyland Brothers thanks to recent stories about Mal Leyland’s journey, Pat’s early role deserves recognition. She helped shape a legacy that still inspires travellers and storytellers across the country.
If you’re fascinated by real-life adventures, family legacies, or inspiring personal journeys, head over to jobjoining.com for more uplifting reads and career stories that celebrate everyday heroes.
Word count: 612. Whether you’re a long-time Leyland fan or just discovering the brothers, Pat Teare’s chapter adds warmth and humanity to an already legendary tale. What’s your favourite Leyland Brothers memory? Drop it in the comments below!