Ian Alexander ‘Molly’ Meldrum (82) – Orbost, Victoria
Ian Molly Meldrum is a multitalented personality best known as a TV host, record producer, and actor. Many of his fans admire him for his aesthetics and style, which have helped propel pop music to new heights.
Graeme Blundell (80) – Melbourne, Victoria
Graeme Blundell has many titles from author, playwright, lyricist, and filmmaker. Since his early years in the ’60s, he has been devoted to his work in the Australian media industry and has mastered all the arts surrounding it. In 1969, he made his acting and directing debut in the play “Dimboola” and later appeared in the 1964 hit series “Homicide,” which introduced him to the world.
Aside from acting, the “Alvin Purple” star has extensively written in the Australian newspaper and even penned biographies for other artists like Brett Whiteley and Graham Kennedy. As of 2022, Blundell still makes screen appearances and uploads content online.
Patti Newton (80) – Melbourne, Victoria
Even after being in the entertainment industry for over 50 years, one thing that does not change is Patti Newton’s stunning smile. Since she made her acting debut in 1964, the “Sugar and Spice” actress has starred in many shows, including “Good Morning Australia,” “The Tarax Show,” and “The Graham Kennedy Show.”
When she featured in “Deal or No Deal” and the seventh season of “Dancing with the Stars,” the Logie Award winner’s fame skyrocketed. Despite being in her mid-70s, she still makes occasional guest appearances in shows like 2018’s “Who Do You Think You Are?” and in the “Neighbours” series as Valerie Grundy.
Susie Elelman (71) – Australia
Susie Elelman’s face is prevalent in many daytime Australian television shows. She spent over nine years as a reporter for “Good Morning Australia,” co-hosted by Bert Newton, and made a reputation for herself as a professional with a cheerful personality.
Aside from being one of the most vibrant TV personalities in Australia, Elelman is also so passionate about beauty that during her younger days, she competed for Miss Australia Quest and Miss New South Wales. Since 2011, she has been a guest on “The Morning Show” on Channel Seven. She is still strong; in 2017, she stood in for Denise Drysdale in “Studio 10.”
Maggie Dence (83) – Victoria, Australia
Maggie Dence has been interested in acting since she was a child, and she began performing on stage when she was 16 years old. Seven decades later, the “Strangers” actress has made a name for herself as one of the leading actresses in Australia.
Dence gained international notoriety when she shifted to the screenplay and appeared in shows such as “Kingswood Country,” “Prisoner,” “The Sullivans,” and the 1985 hit series “Neighbours.” Even though she’s in her golden years already, she’s not hinted at any retirement plans as she’s actively acting and has even appeared in the 2022 sitcoms “Heartbreak High” and “Significant Others.”
Jeanie Drynan (85) – Australia
Jeanie Drynan had known what she wanted to do with her life since she was a child. As a teenager, she followed her dream and enrolled in an acting school in Scotland before returning to Australia.
Major Leslie James Hiddins (78) – Brisbane, Queensland
Major Leslie James Hiddins is a significant figure in the Australian TV industry. Many people know him as “The Bush Tucker Man” for his hit series by the same name. Before he made his acting debut, he was a war veteran who served for two years between 1966 and 1968.
Several years into the service, Hiddins received a Defense Fellowship, where he was assigned to research in Northern Australia in the early ’80s. After the mission, in 1989, he retired from the army and remained an Army Reserve officer for 12 years. In 2002, he published his fourth book, “Bush Tucker Field Guide.”
Peter Philip Smith (86) – Victoria, Australia
Many people may recognize Peter Philip Smith more by his voice than by his physical appearance. Furthermore, he has spent most of his career as a radio host and voice-over artist. In 1962, he made his professional debut as a presenter on ABC Radio in Melbourne.
The “Bad Eggs” actor had laid an incredible foundation for himself as, two years later, he started working as an announcer at GTV-9 in 1964. For over two decades, Smith was the primary host of the quiz show “Sale of the Century.” Although he retired in 2019, he’s retained his duties as a GTV9 ambassador.
Noeline Brown (86) – Sydney, New South Wales
Noeline Brown is one of the most prominent personalities in Australia, having appeared in both comedy and TV scenes. Her career dates back to 1959 when she became a member of the famous “Phillip Street Revues” and gained national popularity after becoming a cast member of the satirical series “The Mavis Bramston Show,” which ran from 1964 to 1968.
After the series ended, she secured a role in the TV sitcom “My Name’s McGooley, What’s Yours?” and won a Logie Award in 1978. Over five decades later, Brown has cemented her prominence, having starred in the 2007 Australian mockumentary “Razzle Dazzle: A Journey into Dance.”
Richard Stephen Wilkins (71) – Auckland, New Zealand
At a young age, Richard Stephen Wilkins had bigger dreams of becoming famous and venturing into pop music. However, it was unexpected that even though he became a star, it was not through music. In the ’80s, he became a well-known TV and radio presenter and even worked for the Nine Network as an entertainment editor.
Years later, after his stardom, the “You’re Not Alone” hitmaker was lucky to get signed to a record deal by PolyGram, an entertainment company, and make his music debut. Unfortunately, Wilkins’ music career was short-lived, but he later published “Black Ties, Red Carpets, Green Rooms,” one of the best-selling books.
Jo Hall (67) – Melbourne, Victoria
By the age of 21, Jo Hall had already decided what she wanted for her life, despite being in her youth. Her career as a TV presenter has flourished throughout the years, and her gorgeous looks can’t be overlooked. In 1979, she rose to the top of the Melbourne newspaper cadets and joined Nine News.
Years later, the doubters were shocked when Hall became the first woman to receive the Thorn Award, which is a national award for journalists. Apart from working as the patron of the Bonni Babes Foundation, she held down the fort as the presenter of “Nine News Victoria” in 2022.
John Mangos (69) – Melbourne, Victoria
Before John Mangos became a United States correspondent, he had covered various state and federal political news on the current affairs program “Coast to Coast” for around 14 years. For the better part of his life, he’s been a journalist and is one of the most talented presenters in Australia, having worked for many big media companies like Ten Network and Seven Network.
Veronica Lang (Unknown) – Australia
Australian-born actress Veronica Lang debuted her career in theater and television in England in the ’60s. She briefly worked in the United States. She enjoyed her nearly four-decade career, and her most notable work is the 1977 adaptation of the film “Don’s Party,” which earned her an AFI award. It was followed by her incredible performance in the ’80s telemovie “A Good Thing Going.”
Lang has enjoyed her career and has over 52 credits under her belt. The “Say You Want Me” actress appeared in the 2003 series “The Bill,” and people thought that was her last chance. Twelve years later, she starred in the short film “Flow.”
Sheila Kennelly (88) – Brighton, Sussex
Not all stars have devoted their lives to their careers for over five decades, but Sheila Kennelly did it gladly. The British-born Australian actress began as a theater performer before graduating to screen and film acting in the ’50s. She appeared in many top-rated series, such as “Sweet and Sour,” “Secret Valley,” and “The Flying Doctors.”
Kennelly became a household name in 1972 when she starred in the hit series “Number 96,” co-starring Gordon McDougall. After the completion of her two-decade role in the “Home and Away” series in 2008, she was then seen in the 2009 “Number 96” cast reunion in the show “Where Are They Now?”
Tony Sattler (78) – Australia
Tony Sattler is one of the most popular veteran Australian producers and TV writers. Before he started his job on TV, he worked as a creative director for an advertising agency called George Patterson Y&R, located in Brisbane, in 1972. That’s when he came across Gary Reilly, one of Australia’s most acclaimed writers, and they became friends.
Without wasting time, the two began working on projects like the radio parody “Chuck Chunder and the Space Patrol.” They later, in 1975, co-founded an RS production company that released the hit sitcom “Kingswood Country,” which earned Reilly and Sattler two Logie Awards in 1981.
Marcia Elaine Hines (72) – Boston, Massachusetts
Marcia Elaine Hines is one of the few stars who started their acting journey as teenagers. She made her acting debut in “Hair” at the age of 16, making her the youngest actress in the cast. Still, in the stage production, the former “Australian Idol” judge became popular in 1973 after starring in the play “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Hines ventured into music in the late ’70s and has had a flourishing career, releasing many hit singles including “Fire and Rain,” “Never Knew Love Like This Before,” and “From the Inside.” In June 2022, the “Music Is My Life” singer was featured in the TV special “ABC 90 Celebrate!”
Tom Oliver (87) – Hampshire, England
Tom Oliver discovered his passion for acting while at home in England and used to perform in theaters. Even after moving to Australia, he continued his career until he made his television debut in the early ’60s. He starred in various drama series such as “Division 4,” “Hunter,” “Homicide,” and “Matlock Police.”
The “Color Me Dead” actor later landed his breakthrough role in the 1972 soap opera “Number 96.” He is best known for his role as Lou Carpenter in the 1985 television series “Neighbors,” in which he starred for over two decades. In 2015, he appeared in the TV movie “Neighbors 30th: The Stars Reunite.”
Chard Hayward (76) – Swansea, Wales
Before Chard Hayward settled on becoming an actor, he was accustomed to dabbling in various careers. At first, he joined the Australian Army and even got a commission at the age of 19. Sadly, he realized that that wasn’t his calling, as he desired a more vibrant lifestyle. So, he quit the military and started working as a caterer before joining drama and acting school.
After completing school, Hayward took on roles in drama series and Australian movies, but many people came to know him for his long-running performance in “Number 96,” a ’70s soap opera. The “Lost” actor also starred in the 2010 blockbuster “Play On.”
Maggie Millar (84) – New South Wales
Unlike the stars who settle into one career, Maggie Millar felt she had much to offer the world. Even though she left the entertainment industry, she still holds her titles as an actress, public relations officer, and producer. The “Neighbors” star has specialized skills in acrylic and oil painting.
First, Millar’s lucky star began shining when she won a scholarship to join a drama school in London. The “Best Enemies” actress also earned a Logie Award for her performance in the 1976 series “Homicide.” She learned influential skills that helped her maneuver in the acting profession, starting with series like “Prisoner,” “The Sullivans,” and “Bellbird.”
Raymond George Martin (80) – Richmond, New South Wales
The legendary TV star Raymond George Martin, aka Ray Martin, is considered one of the most awarded hosts in the Australian TV industry. He started his career in the mid-’60s when he became famous for his several on-air roles hosting shows like “The Midday Show” and “A Current Affair.”
Martin is best known for his articulation when speaking and can also write well, as he has published several books, including “Ray Martin’s Favorites” and “Ray’s Stories of My Life.” Over five decades have passed, and “The Mike Walsh Show” is still going strong, even hosting the ABC series “At Home Alone Together” in 2020.
Ray Meagher (81) – Roma, Queensland
During his younger years, Ray Meagher was passionate about becoming a sportsman; unfortunately, he didn’t pursue the career in his adult life. On several occasions, he represented his school in rugby competitions and even played at the state level; he was pretty promising.
After careful consideration, Meagher decided to pursue a career in film and television, where he met his share of success. Since 1988, he has been the host of “Home and Away,” and around 35 years later, he is still going strong in his role. The Logie Award winner is also regarded as one of the longest-serving TV presenters in Australia.
Lynne McGranger (72) – Paddington, New South Wales
Lynne McGranger has also had her share of success since she began acting in the late ’80s. She’s also regarded as one of the longest-running female cast members in an Australian TV series, having played a role for over 29 years. The “Street Angels” actress joined the “Home and Away” series in 1993, playing Irene Roberts for over 2,705 episodes, and as of 2022, she’s still going strong.
McGranger has also starred in films such as “Why Can’t I?” “Home and Away: All or Nothing,” and “Equivocal Redemption.” In September 2014, she also competed in the 14th season of “Dancing with the Stars.”
Wendy Blacklock (93) – Sydney, Australia
Wendy Blacklock has led a fulfilling life and has been one of the most multitalented stars in Australia. Before she retired, she juggled theater acting, production, singing, comedy, dancing, and radio hosting. The “Pardon Miss Westcott” actress began performing in musicals, revues, and pantomimes in the ’50s.
Blacklock is the founder of the Elizabeth Theatre Trust and is known for playing the long-running role in the ’70s series “Number 96,” which was one of the highest-rated thrillers of that decade. Because she has been in the industry for nearly seven decades, PAC Australia created an award in her honor in 2022.
Sean Scully (80) – Sydney, New South Wales
Don’t confuse the Irish-born artist with the Australian Sean Scully, who is best known for his performances in TV series. He began his career at the age of 12 in the ’60s when he starred in the children’s film “Hunted in Holland,” which earned him a Diploma of Honor at the Cannes Film Festival.
Following his incredible performance, Scully was gigged to perform at Walt Disney Studios and appeared in studio films like 1962’s “The Prince and the Pauper” and 1963’s “Dr. Syn, Alias the Scarecrow.” Since growing up, the “Missive” actor has starred in many series, including “Neighbours,” “Echo Point,” and “Homicide.”
Jeff Kevin (81) – Australia
Jeff Kevin met his luck when he made guest appearances in some of the ’60s hit series like “The Link Men,” “Homicide,” and “Division 4.” After the performance, he was cast to perform in the early ’70s soap opera “Number 96,” where he played Arnold Feather.
Although he left the series five years later, he still appeared in its 1974 spinoff. Unfortunately, he chose to follow a different path in his career to pass on the knowledge by becoming a drama professor at Wollongong University. In 2003, the “Home and Away” actor officially bid farewell to the screen, and he’s now enjoying his golden years.
Maggie Tabberer (85) – Parkside, Adelaide
Maggie Tabberer is lucky to have perfect genes that led her to become a supermodel. After landing a one-off gig at 14, the next job came up when she was 23 years old when she drew the attention of Helmut Newton, a popular photographer who guided her in the glamor world.
Tabberer became famous for her glamorous looks in the late ’50s, but in 1963, she graduated to becoming a writer for the Daily Mirror and one of the panelists on the show “Beauty and the Beast.” After winning Model of the Year in 1960, she went on to win Gold Logie Awards in 1970 and 1971.
Alexander Francis Marinos (73) – South Wales, Australia
Alexander Francis Marino has received more than 40 credits and accolades since he first made his acting debut in the early ’70s. He has made many on-screen appearances, including his breakthrough TV series “Kingswood Country” and TV show hosting on ABC2’s “Late Night Legends” in the ’80s.
Marinos has been an artist for over four decades, and he was also featured in the 2022 mini-series “The Twelve,” which is about 12 people who work on jury duty and have some hidden histories. In addition to acting, the “Water Rats” star has directed several films and TV shows, including “Perhaps Love” and “A Country Practice.”
George Edward Negus (80) – Queensland, Australia
Without a doubt, George Edward Negus is one of the most passionate men regarding his work, having had to turn down fulfilling and lucrative career opportunities. Since the early days of presenting on ABC’s “This Day Tonight,” he steered the success of the current affairs show until it was discontinued in the ’70s.
Nonetheless, Negus continued his profession, appearing for over seven years on another foreign affairs program called “Foreign Correspondent.” The young generation may recognize the “George Negus Tonight” TV host for presenting on the popular SBS show “Dateline” since 2005. He has also published some best-selling books, including “The World from Islam.”
Philip Stuart Brady (86) – Melbourne, Australia
The broadcasting industry has been kind to Philip Stuart Brady, who in 2018 received the Medal of the Order of Australia for his incredible contribution to the media. The journey began in 1958 when he was barely 18 years old and became a voice-over artist and media personality.
The 1939-born TV star was hired as a Channel Nine booth announcer at first, but after a while, he stepped out to seek greener pastures and landed a job as a Victorian travel agent. Towards the late ’60s, Brady had become a famous TV face as he hosted shows like “Get the Message” and “Everybody’s Talking.”
Peter Donald Beauchamp Hitchener (79) – Queensland, Australia
Peter Donald Beauchamp Hitchener is one of the most widespread names in the Australian media industry, having had a career spanning close to five decades. One thing that stands out for him is that he is so passionate and committed to his work.
In 1965, Hitchener decided to join the famous Brisbane radio station “4BH,” which became his turning point. While there, he worked as an editor, news presenter, and writer before moving on to ABC as a relief evening news presenter. Since 1998, the former “National Nine News” host has been the chief news presenter of “Nine News Melbourne” on GTV-9.
