Australian musicians died at 80
Here are 15 famous musicians from Australia died at 80:
Norman Kaye
Norman Kaye (January 17, 1927 Melbourne-May 28, 2007 Sydney) also known as Norman Kay or Norman James Kaye was an Australian actor, musician, film score composer, teacher and conductor.
Norman Kaye was born in Melbourne, Australia and initially studied music, earning a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Melbourne. He began his career as a composer and conductor, working with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Opera. In the 1960s, he started to become more involved in acting, appearing in a number of Australian TV dramas and films.
Kaye is perhaps best known for his role in the classic Australian film "The Castle," in which he played elderly lawyer Dennis Denuto. He also appeared in other films such as "Shine" and "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark," and TV shows like "Division 4" and "Homicide."
As a composer, Kaye worked on a number of Australian films and TV shows, including "Matlock Police" and "Homicide." He also wrote a number of concert works, including a piano concerto and a symphony.
Kaye was known for his dedication to teaching, and he often worked with young musicians and actors. He was a respected music educator and served as the director of the Melbourne Youth Music Festival for many years.
In his personal life, Kaye was married to fellow musician Helen Morse, whom he met while working on a production of "Phantom of the Opera." They had two children together. In his later years, Kaye battled Alzheimer's disease and died in Sydney in 2007 at the age of 80.
Kaye was also an accomplished stage actor, appearing in productions of "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "The Marriage of Figaro." He was a regular performer with the Melbourne Theatre Company and the Victorian Opera. Kaye's talent as a pianist and conductor was widely recognized, and he was known for his musical interpretations of classical works.
Kaye's contributions to Australian culture were recognized with several awards, including the Order of Australia Medal and the Centenary Medal. He was also posthumously inducted into the Australian Film Walk of Fame in 2009.
Despite his many accomplishments, Kaye remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He was widely respected both as a performer and as a teacher, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of Australian artists.
He died in alzheimer's disease.
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Christina Stead
Christina Stead (July 17, 1902 Sydney-March 31, 1983 Sydney) was an Australian writer and novelist.
She spent most of her adult life outside of Australia, living in Europe and the United States. Stead is considered one of the most distinguished Australian writers of the 20th century and her best known work is probably the novel "The Man Who Loved Children". Throughout her career she received many honors, including being shortlisted for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Despite her literary accomplishments, Stead received little recognition in Australia during her lifetime. It wasn't until after her death that her contributions to Australian literature were fully acknowledged.
Stead's family moved to England in 1928, and Stead traveled to Paris with her husband a year later. She began publishing short stories and novels in the 1930s, and in 1940 she and her husband moved to the United States where she taught at a number of universities. Stead's writing often explored complex relationships and familial dynamics, and her work was praised for its insight into human nature. In addition to "The Man Who Loved Children," Stead wrote several other acclaimed novels, including "For Love Alone" and "Letty Fox: Her Luck." Stead died in Sydney in 1983 at the age of 80. Today, she is remembered as one of Australia's most important literary figures, and her work continues to be widely read and studied around the world.
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Cyril Ritchard
Cyril Ritchard (December 1, 1897 Surry Hills-December 18, 1977 Chicago) also known as Cyril Trimmell-Ritchard, Cyrill Ritchard or Cyril Trimnell-Ritchard was an Australian actor and theatre director.
Ritchard began his career as a stage actor in Australia before moving to England in the 1920s to continue his work on the stage. He gained widespread recognition for his role in the original 1954 Broadway production of the musical "Peter Pan" as Captain Hook, a role he reprised several times throughout his career.
Ritchard also made numerous appearances in film and television, including the 1960 film "The Wackiest Ship in the Army" and the TV series "Batman" in the 1960s. In addition to his acting work, Ritchard was an accomplished director, and his productions of plays such as "The Mikado" and "The Threepenny Opera" were widely praised.
Ritchard was married twice and had one daughter. He was awarded a Tony Award for his role in "Peter Pan" and was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1979, two years after his death.
Ritchard was born to English and Australian parents in Surry Hills, New South Wales. He initially worked as a bank teller but eventually pursued his passion for acting. He began his acting career touring with the legendary actress and director, Nellie Melba's opera company. He made his stage debut in 1920 in a production of "The Prince of Pilsen" in Sydney.
In England, he became a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and appeared in numerous productions. He also starred in the West End in productions such as "The Sleeping Prince" and "Androcles and the Lion". In 1935, he made his Broadway debut in "The Farmer's Wife" and continued to work in the US throughout his career.
Aside from his work on stage and screen, Ritchard was also a talented cabaret performer and was known for his comic and musical talents. He released several albums of his performances, including "Mad About the Boy" and "Cyril Ritchard Sings Noel Coward".
Throughout his career, Ritchard was known for his distinctive look, with his bald head and thin moustache. He was highly regarded for his versatility as an actor, and his contributions to the theatre were widely celebrated.
He died in myocardial infarction.
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Tommy Hanlon, Jr.
Tommy Hanlon, Jr. (August 14, 1923 Parkersburg-October 9, 2003 Melbourne) also known as Tommy Hanlon was an Australian actor.
Tommy Hanlon, Jr. was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, USA to Australian parents who moved their family back to their native country when Hanlon was just a boy. He began his acting career as a stage actor in the 1940s and transitioned to film and television in the 1950s. Hanlon is best known for his work in Australian television, including roles in the popular soap opera "The Young Doctors" and the drama series "Division 4". He also appeared in several feature films, including "Age of Consent" and "The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith". In addition to his acting career, Hanlon was also a well-respected theater director and producer. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2002 and passed away a year later in Melbourne, Australia at the age of 80.
Hanlon was married twice in his life, first to Australian actress Jane Harders in the mid-1950s, but the couple divorced just three years later. His second marriage was to Patricia McGrath, with whom he had two children. Hanlon was known for his warm, likable demeanor both on and off-screen, and was a beloved figure in the Australian entertainment industry. Despite his success and popularity, Hanlon remained humble and dedicated to his craft until his untimely passing in 2003. He was remembered by his colleagues and fans as a true talent and a kind-hearted person.
He died as a result of cancer.
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George Turner
George Turner (October 15, 1916 Melbourne-June 8, 1997 Ballarat) also known as George Reginald Turner was an Australian novelist, writer and critic.
Regarded as one of Australia's most important science fiction writers, George Turner wrote a number of notable novels, including "The Sea and Summer", "Drowning Towers", and "Brain Child". He was also a prolific writer of short fiction and contributed numerous critical essays on science fiction and Australian literature to various publications. In addition to his writing, George Turner worked as a sub-editor for a number of newspapers and was also an active member of the Australian Society of Authors. Despite suffering from ill health throughout his life, he continued to write up until his death in 1997.
George Turner was born in Melbourne, Australia and grew up in the suburb of Footscray. After completing his secondary education, he worked in a number of jobs including factory worker, clerk and journalist. During World War II, Turner served with the Australian Army in Papua New Guinea and it was during this time that he began to develop an interest in creative writing.
After the war, Turner worked briefly as a sub-editor for the Melbourne Herald before travelling to Britain in 1949. While in London, he worked as a freelance writer for a number of publications including New Worlds, a science fiction magazine edited by Michael Moorcock. It was here that Turner began to develop his reputation as a science fiction writer.
Turner returned to Australia in the early 1960s and published his first novel, "The Cupboard Under the Stairs" in 1962. The novel was well-received and led to Turner being recognized as an important new voice in Australian literature. Over the next three decades, Turner published numerous novels and short stories, many of which dealt with themes of environmental destruction, social decay and political corruption.
In 1988, Turner was awarded the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award for his novel "The Sea and Summer". The novel, set in a future Melbourne ravaged by climate change, is regarded as one of the defining works of Australian science fiction. Turner continued to write and publish up until his death in 1997, leaving behind a legacy as one of Australia's most important writers of science fiction and speculative fiction.
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Anthony Hawkins
Anthony Hawkins (September 30, 1932 England-September 23, 2013 Kyneton) otherwise known as Tony Hawkins was an Australian actor.
Tony Hawkins was known for his work in theater, film, and television, and he appeared in over 70 productions throughout his career. He made his debut in 1953 in the Australian television series Thunderbolt, and went on to appear in a number of popular Australian TV series including Homicide, Matlock Police, and Division 4.
Hawkins also had a successful career on stage, working with the Melbourne Theatre Company and the Royal Shakespeare Company. He appeared in productions of Hamlet, Julius Caesar, and many other classics.
Throughout his career, Hawkins received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including a Helpmann Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his performance in The Producers. He was known for his charm, professionalism, and dedication to his craft, and is remembered as one of Australia's finest actors.
In addition to his acting career, Tony Hawkins was also a respected acting teacher, and taught at various institutions including the Victorian College of the Arts, the National Theatre Drama School, and the Australian Theatre for Young People. He was passionate about passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of actors, and was known for his insightful and inspiring teaching style. Hawkins was also a mentor to many young actors, and was always willing to offer guidance and advice to those starting out in the industry. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2008. Despite his passing, Tony Hawkins' legacy continues to live on in the many actors he inspired and mentored over the course of his long and distinguished career.
He died as a result of cancer.
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Mary Grant Bruce
Mary Grant Bruce (May 24, 1878 Sale-July 2, 1958 Bexhill-on-Sea) was an Australian writer and novelist.
She is best known for her series of books featuring the character Billabong, a young boy named Norah Linton, and her family, living on a farm in rural Australia. Bruce began writing at a young age and published her first book, A Little Bush Maid, in 1910. Her works often focused on themes of love, family, and rural life in Australia. In addition to the Billabong series, she wrote over 30 other books, including children's books, romances, and nonfiction works. Bruce was an active member of the Australian literary community and was a founding member of the Australian Society of Authors. She received numerous awards and honors for her writing, including being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1953.
Aside from being a prolific writer, Mary Grant Bruce was also a philanthropist and a passionate advocate for Australian literature. She donated a significant portion of her wealth to various charities and organizations, including the Animal Welfare League and the Australian Red Cross. In 1934, she established the Mary Grant Bruce Trust, which aimed to support Australian writers and promote their works. Bruce was also a strong supporter of women's rights and was an active member of various women's organizations. Despite suffering from ill health in her later years, she remained an influential figure in the Australian literary scene until her passing in 1958. Today, her works continue to be celebrated for their depictions of Australian life and culture, and her legacy as a trailblazer for Australian literature lives on.
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George Parker
George Parker (April 5, 1896-April 5, 1976) was an Australian personality.
He was known for his expertise in the field of horse racing and his ability to pick winning horses. He was a renowned bookmaker, and many in the industry regarded him as one of the most successful bookies of his time. His knowledge and intuition made him a formidable opponent for horse racing enthusiasts who placed bets on the races he worked on.
Aside from his achievements in horse racing, Parker was also known for his philanthropy. He supported many charitable causes throughout his life, donating a portion of his earnings to worthy organizations. Parker's legacy continues to inspire many people, and his contributions to the world of horse racing have left an indelible mark on the industry.
In addition to his fame in Australia, George Parker was also respected internationally as an authority in horse racing. He made several trips to England to attend prestigious racing events and was known to have a close relationship with several prominent figures in the English racing community, including King George VI. Parker was also credited with introducing technological advances to the world of bookmaking, such as the use of telephones to place bets and the development of automated odds systems. Despite his success, Parker remained a humble man, and he was often described as being kind and generous to those around him. He passed away on his 80th birthday, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the horse racing industry today.
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Ronald Irish
Ronald Irish (March 26, 1913-April 5, 1993) was an Australian personality.
He was known for his career in the entertainment industry, particularly as a radio presenter and master of ceremonies. Ronald began his career as an entertainer performing on stage at local theaters and working as a singer in various bands. He later joined the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) as a radio presenter and quickly became a popular personality on the airwaves.
Ronald was known for his smooth and polished voice, which he used to great effect on his various programs. He was also renowned for his work as a master of ceremonies, hosting a variety of events and functions across Australia. Ronald was widely regarded as a consummate professional and a true gentleman, and was respected by his colleagues and fans alike.
Outside of his work in the entertainment industry, Ronald was also an accomplished author and playwright. He wrote several books and plays throughout his career, including the popular radio drama "The Young Spiders". Ronald passed away in 1993, leaving behind a legacy as one of Australia's most beloved and respected entertainers.
Ronald Irish's career in the entertainment industry spanned over three decades. In addition to his work as a radio presenter and master of ceremonies, he also appeared in a number of television shows and films. He made his television debut in the 1950s and went on to appear in several popular television series, including "Homicide", "Matlock Police", and "Prisoner". Ronald was also a frequent guest on various game shows and variety programs.
In recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry, Ronald was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1991. He was also posthumously inducted into the Australian Radio Hall of Fame in 2008.
Outside of his professional life, Ronald was a devoted family man. He was married to his wife Gwen for over 50 years and had four children. Ronald was also a keen sportsman, with a particular passion for golf.
Ronald Irish's legacy as one of Australia's most respected and beloved entertainers continues to be celebrated to this day.
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Joyce King
Joyce King (September 1, 1920 Sydney-June 10, 2001) was an Australian personality.
She first gained recognition in the 1940s as a radio presenter and then went on to become a popular television host in the 1950s and 60s. Her charm, wit and intelligence made her a beloved figure across generations.
King was also a keen advocate for women’s rights and was actively involved in campaigning for gender equality throughout her career. She was one of the first women to hold a senior position in the Australian television industry, and her groundbreaking work paved the way for future generations of women in media.
In addition to her professional career, King was also known for her philanthropy work. She was a passionate supporter of several charitable organizations and used her public profile to raise awareness and funds for causes close to her heart.
King received numerous awards and recognition throughout her life, including being made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1988 for her services to the media and charity. She will always be remembered as an icon of Australian broadcasting and a true trailblazer for women in the industry.
King began her broadcasting career as a radio presenter at the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) in the early 1940s. She quickly became popular for her warm and engaging personality, and was soon given her own radio show which focused on popular music and entertainment. In the 1950s, King moved to television, where she hosted a variety of programs including game shows, talk shows, and cultural events. She was known for her ability to connect with audiences, and her shows were widely watched across the country.
In addition to her broadcasting work, King was a passionate advocate for women’s rights. She believed strongly in gender equality and worked to promote the advancement of women in all areas of society. She was a founding member of the Australian Women’s Broadcasting Cooperative, which aimed to increase the prominence of women in broadcasting and to provide opportunities for female broadcasters. King was also involved in numerous other women’s organizations, including the Australian Women’s National League and the Women’s Electoral Lobby.
Throughout her life, King was committed to philanthropy and used her public profile to raise awareness and funds for a range of charitable causes. She was particularly interested in supporting organizations that helped children and young people, and was a dedicated supporter of organizations such as the Children’s Cancer Foundation and the Starlight Foundation. King also worked to raise awareness of environmental issues, and was involved in campaigns to protect Australia’s natural landscapes and wildlife.
King’s contributions to broadcasting, charity work, and women’s rights were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout her life. In addition to being made a Member of the Order of Australia, she was also awarded the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Gold Medal in 1973 and was inducted into the Logie Hall of Fame in 1995. Despite her passing in 2001, King’s legacy continues to inspire generations of Australians, particularly women working in media and broadcasting.
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John Quick
John Quick (April 14, 1852 Cornwall-June 17, 1932) was an Australian politician and journalist.
Quick served as a member of the Australian House of Representatives from 1901 to 1913, representing the Division of Bendigo. He was a leading figure in the Australian Federation movement and was one of the drafters of the Australian Constitution. In addition to his political career, Quick was a prominent journalist and wrote for various newspapers, including The Age and The Argus. He was also an accomplished author and wrote several books on Australian history and politics, including "The Struggle for Statehood" and "The Constitutional Development of Australia". Throughout his career, Quick was a vocal advocate for democracy and social justice. He was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1927 for his services to the community.
Quick was born in Cornwall, England in 1852 and migrated to Australia with his family in 1854. He grew up in Melbourne and attended the University of Melbourne, where he studied law. After completing his degree, Quick was admitted to the Victorian Bar in 1877 and established a successful law practice. However, it was his work as a journalist that brought him to public prominence.
As a journalist, Quick used his platform to advocate for social justice and political reform. He was particularly vocal in his support for the Federation movement, which sought to unite the Australian colonies into a single nation. Quick was one of the few constitutional lawyers in Australia at the time and played a significant role in drafting the country's constitution.
After Federation in 1901, Quick was elected to the newly formed House of Representatives as a member of the Protectionist Party. He continued to work towards social justice and was particularly involved in the debate over the White Australia policy, which aimed to restrict non-European immigration to Australia.
In addition to his political and journalistic work, Quick was a prolific author and historian. His books on Australian history and politics were widely read and respected. Quick also served as a member of the Royal Commission on the Navigation Bill, which sought to regulate shipping between Australia and other countries.
Throughout his life, Quick remained committed to the principles of democracy and social justice. He died in 1932, leaving behind a legacy as one of Australia's most important political and legal figures.
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Mary Gaunt
Mary Gaunt (February 20, 1861 Chiltern-January 19, 1942) was an Australian novelist and writer.
She was one of the earliest female travel writers in Australia, and her non-fiction works often dealt with her travels to exotic and remote places. Gaunt was also a prolific novelist, with over a dozen novels to her name, many of which were set in Australia and explored themes of gender and class. In addition to her writing, Gaunt was also an active campaigner for women's suffrage and social justice reform in Australia. She spent the latter part of her life in England, where she continued to write and publish until her death. Today, Gaunt is remembered as one of the most important Australian writers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Several of Mary Gaunt's works were inspired by her travels to exotic and remote parts of the world. Her experience traveling to Papua New Guinea, for instance, formed the basis of her book "The Silent Places," which recounts her journey into the unexplored interior of the island. Gaunt's social activism extended to her writing, with many of her works exploring themes of gender and class, and advocating for greater rights for women and marginalized groups. She was also an accomplished mountaineer and frequently climbed in the Alps and Pyrenees. Throughout her life, Gaunt remained committed to promoting the importance of literature and storytelling as a means of fostering a more just and equitable society.
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Vince Martin
Vince Martin (May 14, 1920 Sydney-March 10, 2001 Woy Woy) was an Australian politician.
He was a member of the Australian Labor Party and served as a Member of Parliament in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 1953 to 1956, and again from 1959 to 1965. During his time in office, Martin became known for his advocacy for workers' rights and social justice issues. He was involved in the establishment of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and was also a strong supporter of the civil rights movement. After his retirement from politics, Martin continued to be active in community affairs and remained a prominent figure in the Labor Party.
In addition to his political career, Vince Martin was also a prolific writer and journalist. He began his career writing for the Australian Workers' Union journal, and later became a regular contributor to publications such as the People's Weekly, Tribune, and the Daily Mirror. Martin was also the author of several books, including "The Story of the AWU" and "Reds or Rats? The Labor Party, the Communist Party and the Fight for Labor's Future".
Martin was deeply committed to improving the lives of working-class Australians, and his efforts were widely recognized and appreciated. In 1963, he was awarded the Labor Party's highest honor, the Order of Merit, in recognition of his lifetime of service to the labour movement.
Throughout his life, Vince Martin was remembered as a passionate and tireless advocate for social justice and workers' rights. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Australians who are dedicated to building a more equitable and just society.
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Ian Walsh
Ian Walsh (March 20, 1933 Bogan Gate-April 4, 2013 Forbes) was an Australian personality.
Ian Walsh was a successful Australian businessman and former politician. He served as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 1981 to 1988 representing the National Party. After retiring from politics, Walsh became the CEO of Linfox, a logistics company, and was later appointed as the chairman of the Australian Rugby League. He was also involved in various philanthropic activities, including establishing the Ian Walsh Memorial Fund to support children's education in rural and remote areas of Australia. Walsh was widely respected for his significant contributions to business, politics, and sports in Australia.
Additionally, Ian Walsh was born and raised on a farm in the small town of Bogan Gate in New South Wales, Australia. He completed his early education in Forbes before moving to Sydney to attend the University of New South Wales, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Prior to his political career, Walsh was involved in the transport and logistics industry, starting as a truck driver and eventually founding his own transport company. He was also a keen sportsman and played rugby league for his local team in Forbes. In recognition of his contributions to business and the community, Walsh was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1999. Despite his success, Walsh remained down-to-earth and humble, and was widely regarded as a man of integrity and principle.
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Edmond Hogan
Edmond Hogan (December 12, 1883 Wallace, Victoria-August 23, 1964 Melbourne) was an Australian politician.
Hogan served as a member of the Australian House of Representatives for the Labor Party. He was first elected to parliament in 1928 and went on to hold the seat of Batman, Victoria for 29 years, until his retirement in 1958. During his time in office, Hogan was a strong advocate for workers' rights and social justice. He was also involved in the establishment of the Australian Broadcasting Commission and played a key role in its development. In addition to his political career, Hogan was a devoted family man and a passionate supporter of the Essendon Football Club.
Prior to his political career, Hogan worked as a journalist and a union organizer. He was also a founding member of the Victorian branch of the Labor Party. During his time in parliament, Hogan held various positions including Chairman of Committees and Chairman of the Broadcasting Committee. He was highly regarded by his colleagues for his integrity and commitment to serving his constituents. Hogan was known for his excellent oratory skills and was often called upon to speak at public events. After his retirement from politics, he remained active in the Labor Party and continued to be involved in social justice causes. Hogan's legacy is remembered as one of dedication to improving the lives of ordinary Australians.
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