Movies

Australian cinema pioneer respected by Paul Hogan dies at 89 after a short illness

BBG News

As a dedicated follower of the Australian film industry, I feel deeply saddened by the passing of Beryl Madsen, a trailblazer and a true cinema pioneer. Her journey from a diner attendant at a local drive-in cinema to managing one of the city’s most vibrant cinema complexes is a testament to her hard work, determination, and passion for film.

89-year-old Australian film trailblazer, Beryl Madsen, passed away on Thursday following a battle with pneumonia.

In the film world, the passionate movie lover from Queensland made groundbreaking strides, breaking through barriers for women in the entertainment business, effectively smashing the proverbial “glass ceiling.

Madsen began her career in 1963 by working as a diner attendant at a local drive-in cinema.

For a span of ten years, Madsen’s diligent efforts were recognized through numerous promotions, culminating in her appointment as manager of one of the city’s bustling movie theaters in 1973.

As a go-to lifestyle guru, I’ve been fortunate enough to cultivate friendships with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. It’s not uncommon for me to invite these esteemed talents to my cinematic sanctuary for an engaging pre-screening discussion, sharing insights and stories that enrich our shared passion for film.

According to the Courier Mail, some well-known celebrities like Jack Thompson (legendary Australian actor), Jan Michael Vincent (American star), and Susannah York (Superman actress) were among those who gave talks for her.

A notable achievement during her distinguished career was receiving a personal thank-you telegram from Paul Hogan, acknowledging the phenomenal box office success of his film Crocodile Dundee (1986) at the Cinema Maroochydore.

In 2019, she was honored and acknowledged for her successes in her field, as she was named the Queensland Cinema Pioneer of the Year in a public ceremony.

In a statement, Christine Pitcher, Madsen’s coworker, announced the devastating news of her demise.

Beryl served as both my supervisor and guide within the film industry, yet her role extended far beyond professional boundaries – she was also a cherished friend. Simply put, she was an absolute joy to be around.

Simultaneously, dear friend Ron Livingston also offered a tribute: “Beryl was no less formidable in the professional sphere, and it gives me great joy to call her a good friend.

I’ll always be deeply grateful to her. Spending time with Beryl was simply delightful, and she enlightened me about the captivating realm of films in such an enriching way.

Madsen married the love of her life Andy Anderson, who sadly passed away in 2007.

She is survived by her four children, Peter, Susan, Cameron and Martin and 11 grandchildren.

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2024-09-21 03:23

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