Belinda Emmett facts for kids

Belinda Jane Emmett (born April 12, 1974 – died November 11, 2006) was a talented Australian actress and singer. She became well-known for her roles in popular TV shows. These included the drama series Home and Away and All Saints. She also starred in the funny sitcom Hey Dad..!. Belinda was married to Rove McManus, a famous Australian TV host and comedian.

Early Life and School

Belinda Emmett was born in Gosford, Australia. She grew up in Umina Beach, a town on the Central Coast of New South Wales. Her parents were Michael and Laraine Emmett. Belinda had three siblings: Matthew, Shane, and Lesley. She went to several schools, including St John's at Woy Woy and Corpus Christi College.

Acting Career Highlights

Before becoming a TV star, Belinda worked at a local radio station called Coast Rock FM. She also sang lead vocals in a band named Big Baby Jam.

First TV Roles

In 1994, Belinda got her first big acting job. She played Tracy Russell in the Australian sitcom Hey Dad..!. The next year, in 1995, she joined the cast of Home and Away. She played Gail, a fisherman's daughter who fell in love with Travis Nash.

Playing Rebecca Fisher

In 1996, Belinda took on the role of Rebecca Fisher in Home and Away. Rebecca was the daughter of the school headmaster, Donald Fisher. Later, she became Travis Nash's wife. Belinda's acting in this role was very popular. She was nominated for a Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress in 1998 and 1999. She also received a nomination for a Gold Logie in 1999. The Gold Logie is for the Most Popular Personality on Australian Television.

Joining All Saints

From 2000 to 2001, Belinda played Jodi Horner in the medical drama All Saints. Her character was a ward clerk in the hospital.

Music and Albums

Belinda also had a passion for music. In 1998, she released her own version of Michael Jackson's song "Off the Wall". She also sang a duet with Marcia Hines, covering the James Taylor song "Shower the People". This song appeared on Marcia Hines' 2004 album.

Her Album "So I Am"

Belinda's first album, titled So I Am, was released after she passed away. It was very successful, reaching number 10 on the ARIA Charts. The album featured 12 songs that Belinda helped write. She worked with long-time friends and musicians like Phill Buckle and Andrew Furze.

Personal Life

On January 29, 2005, Belinda Emmett married comedian and TV personality Rove McManus. Their wedding took place at the Mary Immaculate Church in Waverley, Sydney. Belinda walked down the aisle to Stevie Wonder's song "You Are the Sunshine of My Life". The couple had first met in 1999 at the opening of Fox Studios in Sydney. Belinda once told a newspaper that they were "kindred spirits," meaning they were very similar.

Belinda's Illness

In 1998, when she was 24 years old, Belinda was diagnosed with breast cancer. She took a break from her role in Home and Away to have surgery. She also received radiotherapy treatments. After this, she left Home and Away in 1999. She then appeared in All Saints for a short time.

In September 2001, while working on the film The Nugget, Belinda started having severe back pain. Tests showed that the cancer had spread to her bones.

Her Passing

Belinda Emmett passed away from cancer on November 11, 2006, at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney. She was 32 years old. Many people, including Australia's Prime Minister at the time, expressed their sadness.

Belinda's funeral was held on November 17, 2006, at the same church where she had married Rove McManus. She was later cremated.

Tributes and Legacy

Many people honored Belinda after her death.

• "Be Strong" Song: Australian singer Delta Goodrem, who also battled cancer, co-wrote a song called "Be Strong" for Belinda in 2004.
• TV Show Dedications: On November 13 and 14, 2006, Channel 7 shows Home and Away and All Saints dedicated episodes to Belinda. A message appeared at the end, saying "In memory of our friend, Belinda Emmett 1974–2006." They also shared information about donating to breast cancer research.
• Home and Away Montage: On November 17, 2006, Home and Away showed a special collection of scenes featuring Belinda as Rebecca Fisher/Nash. This was followed by a message and information about donating to The McGrath Foundation.
• "Less Than Perfect" Release: Belinda's family released one of her songs, "Less Than Perfect," online on November 16, 2006. This song was from a solo album she was working on. It was also played at her funeral.
• Brother's Performance: A month later, Belinda's younger brother Shane sang "One Sweet Day" at the annual Carols in the Domain event. He did this to honor his sister, who had often performed there.
• Album Release: In April 2007, Rove McManus announced that Belinda's solo album was finished. The main song, "So I Am," was released as a single, followed by the album. Money from the album sales went to the McGrath Foundation to help breast-care nurses.
• Australian Story Documentary: In July 2007, ABC TV aired an episode of Australian Story called "Some Meaning in this Life." It was a tribute to Belinda and her brave fight against cancer. Her co-star Eric Bana introduced the episode. It featured contributions from Belinda's family and Rove McManus.
• "Beautiful Thing" Song: On May 20, 2008, one of Belinda's songs, "Beautiful Thing," was included in Olivia Newton-John's album A Celebration in Song: Olivia Newton-John and Friends. This album helped raise money for Olivia's wellness center. Belinda's song was taken from her So I Am album and was dedicated to her.

See also

In Spanish: Belinda Emmett para niños