Gerda Nicolson(1937-1992)
- Actress
One of Australia's best loved character actresses until her untimely
death in 1992, Gerda was born in Hobart, Tasmania in 1937 to parents in
the theatrical profession. Despite being surrounded by actors during
her childhood, Gerda studied architecture and worked as a
draughtsperson whilst living in London from 1958 to 1961. Returning to
Australia, Gerda became involved in amateur dramatics before turning
professional with a national tour of "A Woman In A Dressing Gown,"
followed by several prestigious stage performances with the Melbourne
Theatre Company. Gerda also established her leading lady potential on
TV, firstly as farmer's wife Fiona Davies in the country drama
"Bellbird" and later in the cult series "Prisoner", in which she played
Ann Reynolds, the spirited, liberal-minded governor of Wentworth
Detention Centre from 1983 to its end in 1986. After "Prisoner", Gerda
continued to appear in TV with a brief but memorable guest role in
"Neighbours" and in the mini-series "Bangkok Hilton" alongside Denholm
Elliott and Nicole Kidman, as well as working on the
stage.
