Beloved Aussie Actress Dies at 85
Legendary Australian television personality Leila Hayes passed away in Sydney on Sunday, after a prolonged struggle with her health.
The well-known actress hails from Dimboola, rural Victoria, and began her illustrious career in Australian cinema and television that spanned more than three decades, starting in 1940.
Hayes’ daughter Melissa confirmed the heartbreaking news in a social media statement.
Melissa started off by saying that the information she was about to share wasn’t simple, but it was being shared out of deep admiration she held for everyone who had followed, collaborated with, or learned from her throughout the years.
‘Grateful I could be there with her at the time and for all the amazing memories shared.
‘I am sure she would feel incredibly humbled by the overwhelmingly loving support. Thank you.’
Many of Hayes’ celebrity friends were quick to share their tributes to the beloved actress.
Tom Richards, a previous colleague of Hayes, expressed that the times they worked together at Sons & Daughters were wonderful and something he will always treasure.
‘Leila meant the world to me,’ added Cop Shop star Stephen Comey.
In the early ’70s, Hayes embarked upon her extensive singing career with an appearance on The Bert Newton Show. However, it was later that she discovered her destiny within the realm of soap operas.
In 1971, she made her debut on the well-known police drama “Matlock Police.” Over the subsequent three decades, she graced some of Australia’s most prestigious stage productions.
In my acting journey, I had the privilege to embody the beloved character Beryl Palmer on the Channel Seven soap opera, Sons and Daughters, from 1982 to 1987, a role that would become synonymous with my career.
She also starred on A Country Practice, Prisoner and Cop Shop.
In the year 2005, her last acting appearance was in an Australian short film titled “Chasing Down the Dawn.” This production featured Beccy Iland, a familiar face from the popular series “Home and Away,” as her co-star.
Throughout her career, Hayes collaborated with several prominent Australian figures such as Bert Newton, Michael Caton, and John Wood.
1979 saw Leila Hayes establish her very own drama school in Melbourne, which she named the Leila Hayes Drama Studio. Here, she nurtured and honed the skills of aspiring actors.
Or, more casually:
Leila Hayes set up a drama school called the Leila Hayes Drama Studio in Melbourne back in 1979. She worked with rising stars to perfect their acting abilities there.
In her later years, she continued to stay involved, often organizing theatrical events for her elderly peers.
She received a NSW Premier Award for Community Service through Drama, honoring her years of dedication to employing dramatic techniques to aid others.
Hayes married the love of her life, Ron Connelly, and had one child with him.
She is survived by her daughter Melissa, son-in-law Erik and two grandsons.
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2025-01-21 02:33