Chrissy Amphlett facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chrissy Amphlett
Amphlett performing in 2007
Background information
Birth name	Christine Joy Amphlett
Born	(1959-10-25)25 October 1959 Geelong, Victoria, Australia
Died	21 April 2013(2013-04-21) (aged 53) New York City, U.S.
Genres	Rock, new wave
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, actress
Years active	1980–2011
Labels	Chrysalis Records, Virgin Records, RCA Records
Associated acts	Divinyls, The Tulips

Christine Joy Amphlett (25 October 1959 – 21 April 2013) was an Australian singer, songwriter, and actress. She was best known as the lead singer of the rock band Divinyls.

Chrissy Amphlett, along with Jeremy Paul and guitarist Mark McEntee, started the band Divinyls in Sydney in 1980. Chrissy and Mark were the main members. The band's biggest song, "I Touch Myself" (1990), became number one in Australia. It also reached number 4 in the United States and number 10 in the United Kingdom. In 2006, Divinyls were added to the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame.

Chrissy Amphlett also acted on stage and in movies. She played Linda Lips in the musical Let My People Come (1976). She also starred in Blood Brothers (1988). Later, she played Judy Garland in the musical The Boy from Oz. Her film roles included a part in Monkey Grip (1982).

Early Life and Beginnings

Chrissy Amphlett grew up in Geelong, Australia. She went to Belmont High School. She was a first cousin to another Australian singer, Little Pattie (Patricia Amphlett).

From age three to twelve, Chrissy worked as a child model. She once said this helped her family afford clothes and other things.

Music Career: The Divinyls

Forming the Band

Chrissy Amphlett met Mark McEntee at a concert in 1980. They decided to form a band called Divinyls with Jeremy Paul. They performed in Sydney and recorded songs for the film Monkey Grip. Chrissy also acted in this movie.

Hit Songs and Fame

Divinyls became known for Chrissy's powerful singing and stage presence. The band's members changed often, but Chrissy and Mark were always at its heart. They released six albums between 1982 and 1996.

Their biggest success came in 1991 with the song "I Touch Myself". This song became a huge hit, reaching number 1 in Australia. It also did very well in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Later Years and Reunion

The Divinyls band broke up in 1996. Chrissy and Mark did not talk much after that. However, they reconnected when the band was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame in 2006.

After this, they announced a new tour and a new album. They released a single called "Don't Wanna Do This". They toured Australia, but the full reunion album was never made.

Other Music Work

In 2010, Chrissy Amphlett performed Divinyls songs and other tunes with a large orchestra. This was for the Australian Rock Symphony event.

In 2011, she released a song called "Summer Song." She released it under the band name The Tulips. This song was featured in the movie The Music Never Stopped.

Acting Roles

Chrissy Amphlett started acting at age 17 in 1976. She was in the musical comedy Let My People Come. She played the character Linda Lips. The musical was very popular in Melbourne and Sydney.

In 1982, Chrissy made her first movie appearance in Monkey Grip. She played Angela, a rock band's lead singer.

In 1988, she starred with Russell Crowe in the musical Blood Brothers.

Chrissy also played the famous singer Judy Garland in the musical The Boy from Oz. She performed this role in Australia. When the show went to Broadway in New York, other actors played the parts. But when the show returned to Australia, Chrissy played Judy Garland again.

Personal Life and Health

Chrissy Amphlett married American drummer Charley Drayton in 1999. Charley had played drums for Divinyls.

In 2007, Chrissy shared that she had multiple sclerosis, an illness that affects the body. In 2010, she announced she had breast cancer and was getting treatment in New York. She bravely fought her illnesses. In 2011, she shared that she was free of cancer.

Death and Legacy

Chrissy Amphlett passed away on 21 April 2013, at age 53. She died at her home in Manhattan after a long battle with breast cancer. Her other illness, multiple sclerosis, made her treatment more difficult.

Many artists and musicians shared their sadness after her death. Russell Crowe wrote a tribute, remembering her from their time in Blood Brothers.

To honor Chrissy, a lane in Melbourne, Australia, was named "Amphlett Lane." It has a special plaque and artworks. In 2018, Chrissy was also added to the Music Victoria Hall of Fame.

I Touch Myself Project

After Chrissy's death, her family and friends started the "I Touch Myself Project" in 2014. This project helps raise awareness about breast cancer. It was a tribute to Chrissy.

As part of the project, 10 Australian female artists recorded a new version of "I Touch Myself." These artists included Olivia Newton-John and Chrissy's cousin, Little Pattie. The song was released in June 2014.

Awards and Recognition

Chrissy Amphlett and Divinyls received several awards for their music and performances.

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards celebrate Australian music. Divinyls were honored with an induction into the Hall of Fame.

Countdown Australian Music Awards

Countdown was a popular Australian TV music show. It gave out music awards each year.

Mo Awards

The Mo Awards recognized achievements in live entertainment in Australia.

Music Victoria Awards

The Music Victoria Awards celebrate music from Victoria, Australia.

Images for kids

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  Amphlett performing in 2007

See also

In Spanish: Chrissy Amphlett para niños