Lorraine Bayly facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lorraine Bayly AM
Lorraine Bayly in 2012, at the premier of Annie (musical)
Born	Lorraine Daphne Bayly (1937-01-16) 16 January 1937 (age 88) Narrandera, New South Wales, Australia
Occupation	Film television and theatre actress presenter pianist singer dancer theatre founder director stage manager writer
Years active	1954–2018
Known for	The Man From Snowy River as Rosemary Hume The Sullivans as Grace Sullivan Carson's Law as Jennifer Carson Neighbours as Faye Hudson Play School as Herself; as Presenter

Lorraine Daphne Bayly is an amazing Australian actress who has worked in movies, TV shows, and theatre. She was also a presenter, singer, dancer, pianist, and even helped start a theatre company! She was born on January 16, 1937.

Many people know Lorraine from her roles in popular TV shows. She played Grace Sullivan in the World War II drama The Sullivans. She was also Jennifer Carson in Carson's Law and Faye Hudson in Neighbours. Kids might remember her best as one of the first presenters on the much-loved children's TV show Play School, where she appeared from 1966 to 1978.

Early Life and Talents

Lorraine Bayly was born in a town called Narrandera in New South Wales, Australia. She started performing when she was just three years old! Her first performance was playing the tambourine with the Salvation Army.

When she was between five and nine years old, Lorraine wrote, directed, and starred in plays. Guess where? In the local jail! Her dad was a policeman, and he was also a magician and a ventriloquist (someone who can make their voice seem to come from a dummy).

At age nine or ten, Lorraine had her own ventriloquist act. Years later, in 1983, she even performed this act on a famous TV show called The Parkinson Show, using the host, Michael Parkinson, as her "dummy"!

Lorraine was also a talented musician. When she was just 11 or 12, she played classical piano live on Radio 2UE every Saturday afternoon.

Lorraine's Acting Career

Lorraine Bayly had a very long and successful career in entertainment. She started acting professionally in 1954.

Theatre Work

Lorraine helped create the Ensemble Theatre in Kirribilli, which is a big deal! She performed in many plays, including famous ones like Death of a Salesman and The Sound of Music. In 2010, she starred in the popular play Calendar Girls.

Television Roles

Lorraine Bayly is famous for her many TV roles. She was a much-loved presenter on Play School from 1966 to 1978. She was one of the very first people to host the show!

She is probably best known for playing Grace Sullivan in the drama series The Sullivans. This show was about an ordinary Australian family living during World War II. Lorraine played the kind and strong mother, Grace.

From 1982 to 1984, Lorraine starred in another TV drama called Carson's Law. She played Jennifer Carson, a lawyer in Melbourne in the 1920s. The show was written especially for Lorraine!

Later, from 1991 to 1992, she appeared in the popular soap opera Neighbours. She played Faye Hudson, who was the sister of a character named Doug Willis.

Movie Appearances

Lorraine Bayly also acted in several movies. She was in Fatty Finn, a Disney movie called Ride a Wild Pony, and the classic Australian film The Man From Snowy River. In The Man From Snowy River, she acted alongside the legendary Hollywood star Kirk Douglas.

Retirement

After many years of entertaining audiences, Lorraine Bayly retired from acting in 2019 due to some health issues.

Awards and Honours

Lorraine Bayly has received many awards for her amazing work.

In 2001, Lorraine was given a special honour by the Queen. She was made a Member of the Order of Australia. This award recognizes people who have made a big difference to Australia.

She has won 10 awards from 14 nominations! This includes three Silver Logies for Most Popular Actress. She won these in 1978, 1979, and 1983 for her roles in The Sullivans and Carson's Law. In 2006, she was also named one of "Australian Variety's 100 Entertainers of the Century," which is a huge honour for her long career.

Filmography

Film Roles

Television Roles