Leah Purcell inducted into Australian Film Walk of Fame

Published Date
29/04/2022
News Topic
Heritage, Art & Culture
Leah Purcell

Actor, writer and director Leah Purcell AM was honoured with a bronze plaque on the Australian Film Walk of Fame, located outside the Ritz Cinema, Randwick, on Thursday 28 April 2022, in recognition of her ongoing contributions to the Australian film industry.

Her film, The Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson received an Official Gala Screening at the Ritz Cinema this evening.

Purcell is the first star to be inducted on the walk in a decade and will join the likes of Michael Caton, Charles Tingwell, Claudia Karvan, Jack Thompson and Deborah Mailman.

“Leah Purcell is a familiar face to anyone who has watched Australian film or TV over the past 25 years and is an actor who is just a joy to watch,” said Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker.

“She has become a creative powerhouse - the story of The Drover’s Wife finally allowing audiences to see the full extent of her writing, directing, producing and acting skills. We’re so pleased to have her name listed on the Australian Film Walk of Fame and recognise all that she has done for Australian cinema.”

In 2021 Purcell was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the performing arts, First Nations youth and culture, and to women.

“This is truly awesome to be inducted into the Australian Film Walk of Fame alongside these great actors, producers and filmmakers,” said Leah Purcell. “The Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson is a story so close to my heart and it’s an honour to be recognised with this plaque for my acting, writing, directing and producing on my debut feature film. Thank you.”

Purcell is one of Australia’s leading actors, writers and directors and a proud Indigenous woman. She

has starred in Australian films including The Last Cab to Darwin, Jindabyne, Somersault

and Lantana. She has also played leading roles in TV series including Police Rescue, Redfern Now, Janet King and the internationally acclaimed series Wentworth.

The Australian Film Walk of Fame is a collection of bronze plaques located on the footpath outside the Ritz Cinema in Randwick, recognising the contributions of Australian male and female actors to the Australian film industry. It was initiated in 2008 by Randwick Council and the Australian Film Festival run by Barry Watterson.

Last Updated: 29 April 2022
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