Australian musicians died at 54
Here are 12 famous musicians from Australia died at 54:
Victor Chang
Victor Chang (November 21, 1936 Shanghai-July 4, 1991 Mosman) also known as Dr. Victor Peter Chang was an Australian surgeon.
Dr. Victor Chang was a highly esteemed heart transplant surgeon who was known for his groundbreaking work in heart transplantation and cardiac surgery. He was also a philanthropist who devoted much of his time to helping underprivileged children with heart problems.
Born in Shanghai, China, in 1936, Chang moved to Australia with his family when he was young. He studied medicine at the University of Sydney and began his surgical career at St. Vincent's Hospital in Sydney. He soon gained a reputation as a skilled and innovative surgeon and was appointed head of surgery at the hospital.
Chang performed the first heart transplant in Australia in 1984 and was a pioneer in the use of artificial hearts as a bridge to transplantation. He also developed new surgical techniques for treating congenital heart defects in children.
Tragically, Chang was murdered in 1991 in a planned assassination by two men who tried to extort money from him. His death shocked the Australian medical community and led to the introduction of new security measures at hospitals. Today, he is remembered as a hero in the field of medicine and a symbol of excellence and dedication to his profession.
He died as a result of murder.
Read more about Victor Chang on Wikipedia »
Gerda Nicolson
Gerda Nicolson (August 26, 1937 Hobart-June 12, 1992 Melbourne) also known as Gerda Maureen Nicolson was an Australian actor.
Gerda Nicolson began her career as an actor in the 1950s, performing on both stage and screen. She appeared in numerous productions in Sydney and Melbourne, including the Melbourne Theatre Company's productions of "The Seagull" and "The Three Sisters". In the 1970s, she established herself as a renowned television actor, starring in popular shows such as "Homicide", "Division 4", and "Matlock Police". Nicolson was also a founding member of the Melbourne Theatre Company and played a key role in developing the Australian theatre scene. Outside of her acting career, she was known for her charitable work, particularly her efforts to raise awareness about social issues such as homelessness and domestic violence.
She died as a result of intracranial hemorrhage.
Read more about Gerda Nicolson on Wikipedia »
Sara Douglass
Sara Douglass (June 2, 1957 Penola-September 27, 2011) otherwise known as Sara Mary Warneke or Sara Warneke was an Australian writer and novelist.
Sara Douglass was born in the small town of Penola, South Australia. She studied at the University of Adelaide, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree followed by a PhD. She worked as a nurse and a university lecturer before becoming a full-time writer in 1995.
Douglass was best known for her historical fantasy novels, which often drew on her interest in mythology and medieval history. Her most popular series include The Axis Trilogy and The Wayfarer Redemption, which collectively sold over a million copies in Australia alone. She also wrote contemporary fiction under the name Sara Warneke.
Despite battling cancer for several years, Douglass continued to write prolifically and maintain an active online presence in the writing community. She passed away in 2011 at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy as one of Australia's most beloved fantasy authors.
She died as a result of ovarian cancer.
Read more about Sara Douglass on Wikipedia »
Dorothy Porter
Dorothy Porter (March 26, 1954 Sydney-December 10, 2008 Melbourne) a.k.a. Dorothy Featherstone Porter was an Australian writer and poet.
Dorothy Porter was known for her unique style of writing, which combined elements of poetry, crime fiction, and verse novels. Some of her most notable works include "The Monkey's Mask," "What a Piece of Work," and "Wild Surmise."
Porter was a highly acclaimed author and received numerous awards for her contributions to literature, including the National Book Council Award for "The Monkey's Mask." In addition to her writing career, Porter also worked as a teacher and freelance journalist.
Throughout her life, Porter battled breast cancer, which eventually led to her passing in 2008. Despite her illness, she continued to write and inspire others with her work. She is remembered as a pioneering figure in Australian literature and an inspiring role model for women in the arts.
She died caused by breast cancer.
Read more about Dorothy Porter on Wikipedia »
Ron Frazer
Ron Frazer (December 7, 1928-January 8, 1983) also known as Ron Fraser was an Australian comedian and actor.
He was born in Melbourne, Australia and began his career in entertainment in the 1950s. Fraser became a popular television personality in the 1960s and 1970s, with roles in shows such as "The Mavis Bramston Show" and "The Naked Vicar Show".
He also appeared in several films, including "Alvin Purple" and "Alvin Rides Again". In addition to his work in comedy and acting, Fraser was also a prolific writer and director, creating and producing many of his own shows.
Fraser was known for his quick wit and strong stage presence, and he became a beloved figure in the Australian entertainment industry. He passed away in 1983 at the age of 54 due to a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy of comedic talent and innovation.
Read more about Ron Frazer on Wikipedia »
Stella Bowen
Stella Bowen (May 16, 1893 North Adelaide-October 30, 1947 England) was an Australian writer.
Born Stella Steer, Bowen moved to London in 1914 where she studied painting and met her husband, artist Ford Madox Ford. Upon the outbreak of World War I, she moved with Ford to France and worked as a nurse for the Red Cross. In 1923, she published her first novel, "The Hotel." Bowen wrote several novels, short stories, and essays throughout her career. Her writing often explored themes of love, loss, and the challenges faced by women in society. Bowen and Ford separated in 1927, and she later married writer and critic Alan Porter. Bowen continued to write and travel throughout Europe and the United States until her death in 1947.
She died as a result of colorectal cancer.
Read more about Stella Bowen on Wikipedia »
Justine Saunders
Justine Saunders (February 20, 1953 Quilpie-April 15, 2007 Sydney) also known as Justine Florence Saunders was an Australian actor.
Saunders was an accomplished actor, best known for her work on screen and on stage. She was the first Aboriginal female actor to appear on Australian television in a regular role and was a trailblazer for First Nations representation in the entertainment industry. She had a successful career spanning over three decades and won numerous accolades for her performances. Saunders was also a dedicated advocate for Indigenous rights and was actively involved in community work.
She died caused by cancer.
Read more about Justine Saunders on Wikipedia »
Adriana Xenides
Adriana Xenides (January 9, 1956 Buenos Aires-June 7, 2010 Liverpool) was an Australian presenter.
Xenides was best known for her role as the co-host of the Australian game show "Wheel of Fortune" from 1981 to 1996. She began her career as a model before transitioning into television hosting. In addition to "Wheel of Fortune", Xenides also made appearances on several other Australian TV programs and acted in a handful of films. She became a beloved figure in Australian pop culture and won several awards for her work in entertainment. Sadly, Xenides passed away at the age of 54 after suffering from health issues, leaving behind a legacy that has continued to inspire and entertain audiences.
Read more about Adriana Xenides on Wikipedia »
Evelyn Marsden
Evelyn Marsden (October 15, 1883 Australia-August 30, 1938 Sydney) was an Australian flight attendant and nurse.
She became famous for being the first air hostess in the world after starting to work as a flight attendant in 1930. Before starting her career as a flight attendant, Marsden worked as a nurse in Australia and London, and during World War I, she served as a nurse in France. Marsden was hired by Qantas Airways to work on their flights as a flight attendant in 1930, and she was responsible for welcoming and serving passengers, as well as providing safety information during the flight. She quickly became known for her professionalism and friendly nature, and she was a popular figure among Qantas passengers. Marsden continued to work for Qantas until her death in 1938, and her legacy as the first air hostess in the world is still celebrated today.
Read more about Evelyn Marsden on Wikipedia »
Jimmy Mackay
Jimmy Mackay (December 19, 1943 Scotland-December 11, 1998) was an Australian personality.
He was best known for his radio work, including hosting the nationally syndicated morning show, "The Mackay Report" on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Radio Network. Mackay was also a successful sports broadcaster, covering events such as the Olympics, tennis matches, and the America's Cup. In addition to his radio work, he served as the host of the Australian version of the game show "Blankety Blanks" and appeared on various television programs. Mackay was highly regarded for his wit, charm, and warmth, and was a beloved figure in Australian broadcasting. He passed away in 1998 from a heart attack while on vacation in Hawaii.
Read more about Jimmy Mackay on Wikipedia »
Mae Busch
Mae Busch (June 18, 1891 Melbourne-April 19, 1946 San Fernando Valley) a.k.a. Annie May Busch or The Versatile Vamp was an Australian actor.
Mae Busch was best known for her comedic roles in several Laurel and Hardy films, including "Sons of the Desert" (1933) and "The Bohemian Girl" (1936). She also appeared in over 100 films throughout her career, including "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" (1921) and "Ben-Hur" (1925). Busch began her career as a child performer in vaudeville and later became a featured player with Mack Sennett's Keystone Studios. She was often cast as the tough-talking, hard-drinking woman, earning the nickname "The Versatile Vamp." Despite her successes, Busch battled with alcoholism and had a difficult personal life. Her death was mourned by many in the film industry who had worked with her throughout her career.
She died caused by pneumonia.
Read more about Mae Busch on Wikipedia »
Brian Carlson
Brian Carlson (February 12, 1933 Wyoming-April 14, 1987) was an Australian personality.
Brian Carlson was best known for his work as a radio host and television presenter. He began his career as a radio announcer in the 1950s, working for various stations throughout Australia. In 1962, Carlson became a founding member of the television program "This Day Tonight", a current affairs show that aired on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Carlson was known for his strong opinions and sometimes controversial views on politics and social issues. He often used his platform to advocate for a more progressive Australia, and was a vocal supporter of civil rights and environmental causes.
Throughout his career, Carlson won several awards for his work in broadcasting, including two Walkley Awards for excellence in journalism. He was also recognized by the Australian government for his contributions to the media industry, and was awarded the Order of Australia posthumously in 1988.
Off the air, Carlson was known for his love of nature and the outdoors. He was an avid hiker and gardener, and was involved in several conservation efforts throughout his life. He passed away in 1987 from lung cancer, but his legacy as a pioneering journalist and champion of social causes lives on.
Read more about Brian Carlson on Wikipedia »