Beloved Australian cinema pioneer Beryl Madsen died on Thursday aged 89, after contracting pneumonia.
The Queensland-based film enthusiast was a showbusiness pioneer who helped shatter the glass ceiling for women in the movie industry.
Madsen began her career in 1963 by working as a diner attendant at a local drive-in cinema.
Over the next decade, Madsen’s hard work was acknowledged with several promotions, and in 1973 she became manager at one of the city’s most lively cinema complexes.
Madsen had a host of A-list stars as friends, and often got them to come to her cinema for a public talk ahead of one of their film screenings.
Some of the stars who did talks for her include legendary Australian actor Jack Thompson, American star Jan Michael Vincent and Superman actress Susannah York, reported the Courier Mail.
One of the highlights of her esteemed career was receiving a telegram from Paul Hogan, thanking her personally for the record-breaking success of his 1986 movie Crocodile Dundee at the Cinema Maroochydore.
Beloved Australian cinema pioneer Beryl Madsen (pictured) died on Thursday aged 89, after contracting pneumonia
She was publicly recognised for her achievements in the field, being crowned Queensland Cinema Pioneer of the Year in 2019.
Madsen’s colleague Christine Pitcher confirmed the heartbreaking news of her passing in a statement.
‘Beryl was my boss, my mentor in the cinema industry but, most importantly, my friend. She was just great fun.
Meanwhile, close friend Ron Livingston also paid tribute to her: ‘Beryl more than held her own in the business world and I’m pleased to say a good friend.’
Madsen began her career in 1963 by working as a diner attendant at a local drive-in cinema. Over the next decade, Madsen’s hard work was acknowledged with several promotions, and in 1973 she became manager at one of the cities most lively cinema complexes
‘I will be forever thankful to her. Beryl was an absolute joy to be with and she taught me so much about the wonderful world of cinema.’
Madsen married the love of her life Andy Anderson, who sadly passed away in 2007.
She is survived by her four children, Peter, Susan, Cameron and Martin and 11 grandchildren.
One of the highlights of her long career was receiving a personal telegram from Paul Hogan, thanking her the record-breaking success of his 1986 movie Crocodile Dundee at the Cinema Maroochydore
