June Salter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
June Salter
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June Marie Salter
22 June 1932 Bexley, New South Wales, Australia
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| Died | 15 September 2001 (aged 69) |
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| Known for | The Mavis Bramston Show Certain Women The Restless Years A Country Practice Neighbours |
| Spouse(s) | John Meillon (1958–1971) |
| Children | John Meillon Jnr |
June Marie Salter (born June 22, 1932 – died September 15, 2001) was a famous Australian actress and author. She was well-known for her many roles in plays and on television. People especially remember her as the schoolteacher Elizabeth McKenzie in the TV show The Restless Years. She also often appeared as Matron Hilda Arrowsmith in A Country Practice. June Salter was even given an award, becoming a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), for her great work in the performing arts.
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Early Life and Education
June Marie Salter was born in Bexley, New South Wales, Australia. She was the youngest of six children in her family. From a young age, June loved music and performing. She learned to play the piano and took lessons in elocution, which is the art of clear speaking.
She went to Kogarah Central Domestic Science Secondary School. In 1947, she earned her New South Wales Intermediate Certificate.
Starting Her Acting Career
While working as a typist, June joined a local acting group called the St George Players. They performed at St James' Hall in Sydney. She also continued her elocution lessons. These lessons helped her get acting jobs on radio shows.
In 1952, she started getting roles in radio serials like Night Beat and Martin's Corner. She even joined the popular ABC radio show Blue Hills as Sally Edwards. Soon, she was so busy with acting that she stopped her office job.
Stage Performances
June Salter loved performing on stage. After acting in amateur plays, she joined professional shows. She was part of the first "Phillip Street Revue" called Hit and Run. She also performed in Hat Trick with other famous actors like Charles Tingwell and Gordon Chater.
One of her big roles was in Cross Section, another Phillip Street Revue. During this time, she met and married actor John Meillon in 1958. They moved to London for a few years. When she returned to Australia, she continued her stage career.
She starred in many comedies, including Blithe Spirit as "Madame Arcati". She also played "Mrs Danvers" in Rebecca and "Ethel Thayer" in On Golden Pond. In 1989, she performed with Ruth Cracknell in Lettice and Lovage at the Sydney Opera House. Later, she even had her own one-woman show called Legends, which was very successful.
Television Roles
June Salter was one of the first people to perform on Australian television. She sang on TV in December 1956. Later, she became a co-star in the popular comedy show The Mavis Bramston Show.
She had a significant role as solicitor "Freda Lucas" in the ABC series Certain Women. But she is probably best known for playing schoolteacher Elizabeth McKenzie in the soap opera The Restless Years. She appeared in over 800 episodes of this show!
June also made many guest appearances in other TV shows. She was a regular guest as Matron Hilda Arrowsmith in A Country Practice. She also played Jim Robinson's mother, Bess, in the early days of Neighbours. You might have also seen her in shows like Cop Shop, Division 4, All Saints, and Farscape. She also appeared in the film Caddie.
Personal Life
June Salter married actor John Meillon in 1958. They had a son together, named John Meillon, Jr. Their acting careers sometimes meant they were apart. They later divorced in 1971. June never remarried and was very sad when John Meillon passed away in 1989.
Death
June Salter passed away on September 15, 2001, at the age of 69. She died from cancer.
Recognition and Awards
June Salter received many awards for her acting:
- She won Penguin Awards in 1975 and 1976 for her role in Certain Women.
- She also received a Sammy Award for her work in the TV series Hotel Story.
- In 1977, she was given The Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal.
- She received a Golden Sammy award for Certain Women.
- Her life and career were celebrated on the TV show This Is Your Life.
- In 1978, she won a Glugs Award for her performance in Crown Matrimonial.
- In 1982, she was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). This was a special honor for her contributions to the performing arts.
- She was also featured in an episode of Face Painting with Bill Leak in 2008.
