Noni Hazlehurst facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Noni Hazlehurst AM
Hazlehurst on Balance with Deborah Hutton in 2016
Born	Leonie Elva Hazlehurst Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Occupation	Actress voice actress director writer presenter broadcaster
Years active	c. 1973–present
Known for	Play School (TV series) as presenter (1978–2001) Better Homes and Gardens (TV series) as presenter 1995–2005
Notable work	Film: Monkey Grip Fran Little Fish Television: The Box The Sullivans Nancy Wake City Homicide A Place to Call Home
Spouse(s)	Kevin James Dobson ​ ​ (m. 1975; div. 1978)​ John Jarratt ​ ​ (m. 1988; div. 1999)​
Partner(s)	Ian Marden (2003–2013)
Children	2

Leonie Elva "Noni" Hazlehurst is a well-known Australian actress, director, writer, and TV presenter. She has been on television, radio, stage, and in movies since the early 1970s.

Noni Hazlehurst has won many awards. These include Australian Film Institute Awards, ARIA Awards, and Logie Awards. In 2016, she was even added to the Logie Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Education

Noni Hazlehurst was born Leonie Elva Hazelhurst in Melbourne, Australia.

She went to St Leonard's College in Brighton East, Victoria. Later, she studied Drama at Flinders University in South Australia from 1971 to 1973. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974.

Both of Noni's parents were from England. They moved to Australia in 1951.

Noni Hazlehurst's Career

Television Roles

Noni Hazlehurst started her TV career with guest roles in popular shows. In 1975, she played Sharon Lewis in The Box. She then joined The Sullivans as Lil Duggan in 1976.

One of her most famous roles was as a presenter on Play School. She was on the show from 1978 to 2001. Noni has always cared deeply about children. She has been an ambassador for many children's events and charities. She also recorded children's music albums, like Shout and Whisper (1988).

In the 1980s, Noni starred in the miniseries Nancy Wake. She also appeared in other shows like The Shiralee and Waterfront.

From 1995 to 2005, she hosted Better Homes and Gardens. This was a popular lifestyle show on the Seven Network.

In 2006, Noni starred in the TV movie Stepfather of the Bride. From 2007 to 2011, she played Detective Superintendent Bernice Waverley in the crime drama City Homicide. In 2011, she famously read a popular children's book in the style she used on Play School.

From 2013 to 2018, Noni played Elizabeth Bligh in A Place to Call Home. This show was set in the 1950s. She also appeared in The Letdown (2017–2019) and The End (2020).

Film Appearances

Noni Hazlehurst has had many leading roles in Australian films. In 1982, she starred as Nora in Monkey Grip. This film was based on a novel by Helen Garner. It was about a single mother and received good reviews.

She also appeared in Little Fish (2005) and Candy (2006). Other film roles include The Mule, Truth, and Ladies in Black.

Radio Work

Noni Hazlehurst is a regular presenter on 774 ABC Melbourne. She works as a freelance broadcaster.

Theatre Performances

Noni has performed in many theatre productions. Some of her stage credits include The Man from Mukinupin and Hamlet. She has worked with major theatre companies like the Sydney Theatre Company (STC) and the Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC).

In 2015 and 2016, Noni toured nationally with a one-woman play called Mother. This play was written just for her by Daniel Keene. Mother was very successful and earned Noni a Matilda Award in 2018 for Best Female Actor.

Awards and Recognitions

Noni Hazlehurst has received many awards for her acting and contributions.

Other Achievements

In 2007, Noni received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Flinders University. She is also an ambassador for Barnardo's "Mother of the Year" awards.

Personal Life

Noni Hazlehurst has two sons. She was married to director Kevin Dobson and later to actor John Jarratt. She also dated cameraman Ian Marden.

Her son, William, was the lead singer for the band Storm The Sky.

Noni released her autobiography, Dropping The Mask, on October 2, 2024. She promoted the book with appearances and signings.

Filmography

Television Series

Television Films

Feature Films

See also

In Spanish: Noni Hazlehurst para niños