Devastation for Noni Hazlehurst as her first husband – a famous Australian film director – dies sparking outpouring of support

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Noni Hazlehurst is grieving the loss of her first husband, film director Kevin James Dobson.

James Dobson, who was married to Noni from 1975 to 1978, passed away in Melbourne on Saturday at the age of 73. He had a career lasting over forty years.

His death was confirmed on the Back To Crawford Productions social media page.

Let me tell you about Kevin Dobson – a real talent who started his career right here in Manchester, UK. He began as a trainee at Crawford’s, learning the ropes, and quickly worked his way up to an assistant film editor. It’s inspiring to see that kind of dedication and growth!

Kevin lived in the United States, specifically Los Angeles, for more than 30 years. He returned to Australia and lived in Sydney until about three months ago when he became ill and moved to Melbourne. He passed away while receiving care in Lilydale, a suburb of Melbourne.

Born in England, he immigrated to Australia at the age of 14 as part of the ‘Ten Pound Poms’ program, which encouraged people to move from the UK.

Dobson started his career in the early 1970s and contributed to several popular Australian television shows, such as Matlock Police, Homicide, A Country Practice, and Cop Shop.

He later worked on various American television series, and in the late 1990s, he directed multiple episodes of Babylon 5.

He finished his career directing the 2010 Australian film Savages Crossing, featuring John Jarratt, known for his role in Wolf Creek. Interestingly, Jarratt married Noni in 1988.

The couple divorced in 1999. 

Dobson was highly praised for his work, and in 1980 he won a Television Society of Australia Penguin Award for directing the TV play Young Ramsay.

Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Dobson.

Someone shared fond memories of Kevin, recalling how they enjoyed both working and having fun with him. They expressed sadness over his passing, but noted that his memory will continue to live on.

‘Very sad to hear about this. I have some very happy memories working with Kevin,’ a second added. 

This news follows Noni’s recent announcement that she and actor John Jarratt, known for his role in Wolf Creek, are divorcing after being married for over ten years.

Noni, 71, and John, 73, tied the knot in 1987 and split 12 years later in 1999.

While married, they co-hosted the well-known Channel Seven lifestyle program, Better Homes and Gardens.

Noni, recently having published her memoir ‘Dropping The Mask,’ says she’s still reeling from the breakup and has been shocked ever since.

‘John and I had some wonderful times together – and then we didn’t,’ Noni told Woman’s Day.

This is common in many relationships. They often begin with excitement and positive expectations, but as time goes on, hidden problems tend to emerge.

Noni says she realized her marriage was ending when John became close to a colleague on the set of Better Homes And Gardens.

‘At that moment, I knew the marriage was over,’ she said.

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2026-02-26 03:33