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Diane Cilento Obituary
Cilento, a veteran of dozens of films, television shows and stage productions, died Thursday night, Queensland state Premier Anna Bligh said.
No cause of death was given.
The Queensland-born actress rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s, starring alongside screen legends such as Charlton Heston and Paul Newman. In 1956, she was nominated for a Tony Award for her portrayal of Helen of Troy in the play "Tiger at the Gates." She received an Academy Award nomination in 1963 for best supporting actress for her work in the movie "Tom Jones."
Her celebrity grew after she married Connery - her second husband - in 1962. The two had a son before divorcing 11 years later. She went on to wed her third husband, playwright Anthony Shaffer, in 1985.
She and Shaffer eventually settled in tropical northern Queensland, where she built a popular outdoor theater in the rain forest.
"While she was originally known as a glamorous international film star, her work in later years in the far north showed her commitment to the arts," Bligh said in a statement. "I know that Ms. Cilento will be sorely missed by many in the industry."
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
30 Entries
Jan Murray
October 7, 2016
5years always remembered
December 24, 2011
It was a pleasure working for you taking care of your children. I send them love and peace. May the light shine on you. Jude Lawrence (Norris)
CLIVE EVANS
November 20, 2011
Diane was a great and good friend and enormous fun to be with. I feel privileged to have known her - on and off - for over 40 years.
CLIVE EVANS (London)
jessica machin
October 13, 2011
peace, love and light Diane. thankyou for enriching our lives. you radiated love. xx
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jessica machin
October 13, 2011
my heartfelt condolences to diane's family. my mum and i had the pleasure of visiting the retreat in northern australia. it was a special time, a special place, founded on traditional buddhist principled. the theatre was amazing and diane's vision for karnak extraordinary. she was driven by the healing of the arts and we met wonderful people and we left a little of ourselves there too. i do hope it will continue. a very special women and place. one of my fondest memories is of diane cooking my mum and i breakfast and having a laugh on the verandah whilst we spoke about politics. arts and love and life in general. xxx
Brunon Paul Bielinski
October 13, 2011
May she RIP. Her mother treated me as an infant. As a teenager I met her on a few occasions and was star-struck.
Brunon Paul Bielinski
October 12, 2011
To the family of Diane Cilento, my condolences for the loss of your beloved one. May you receive comfort and strength from the God of all comfort. (Erma L. Davis, Park Forest, IL.)
Charlie Ott
October 11, 2011
Ms. Cilento was fabulous in "Hombre", and I believe took the film to a different level with Paul Newman. Hombre is one of my favorite. I pray she and Paul are friends again.
catherine whitehead
October 10, 2011
she will be missed by all of us fans for sure RIP
Sue Manger
October 10, 2011
I worked for Diane and Sean for some years on and off in London in the early sixties. Both were exceptional people to work for. I was Diane's Agent for a short while in Sydney. Diane was then obsessed with creating Karnak and which myself and others contributed to the now wonderful place it is. I am sad Diane left before we could talk again.
October 10, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
robert lawson
October 9, 2011
a fine actress and a finer person.
bob lawson
October 9, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
sue davis
October 9, 2011
Wounderful memories of a lovely lady remember the great times at karnack will miss you dianne
October 9, 2011
Luke 8:49-56 is an encouraging account to reflect upon that can give you hope.
Harry Simpson
October 9, 2011
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
October 9, 2011
Will be sadly missed,but not forgotten,Not many people touch so many
other human beings as Diane did.Thanks for sharing all your wonderful talents.Patrick[g/coast]
Christine Tancredi
October 8, 2011
Love Peace & Light to you and yours. An inspiration to my life. A truly wonderful women, willing to share.
Maxx & DiDi
Lou Voevodin
October 8, 2011
Mere words cannot convey my deepest sympathy on the utimely passing of Diane. Her inspirational brilliance will live on the in the thoughts of all the hearts and minds she touched, mentored and enlightened. Diane's artistic and literary skills are legendary and will leave a legacy for the unfortunate few who missed the pleasure of her brilliant company at Karnak. I recall many memorable times when she visited me at Mission Beach. Priceless memories of her inimitable spirit and joie de vivre, I feel blessed to have known this extraordinarily special lady and creative genius and will remain her friend eternally. Utmost condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. Vale.
Christine Tancredi
October 8, 2011
An inspiration to my life, a special love will always be held for her. Love Peace & Light RIP
October 8, 2011
i like her i saw many times and she will be miss she was good from marie fla
Jan Murray
October 8, 2011
Diane was my Mentor and inspiration, we met in 1992 and spent time at Karnak where Diane shared many enlightening moments with me .Never has anyone impressed me as a spiritual sharing and slightly offbeat personality I feel enriched to have known Diane
Spangler Dempewolf
October 7, 2011
A truly gifted actress who deserved the Academy Award for "Tom Jones". I loved her work opposite Glenda Jackson in "Negatives". Sorry to hear of her passing.
Jeanette
October 7, 2011
Please accept my sincere condolences during this time of your loss. It is reassuring to know that those who die God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes - Psalm 116:15.
October 7, 2011
I only saw a couple of her films but always thought she was a beautiful lady and a fine actress. RIP Ms. Cilento.
Richard, Weslaco, TX
Bill Kaup
October 7, 2011
Here's to a fine actor who helped make Tom Jones the cinematic legend it became. This lady had a world of talent. You will be missed. God bless you.
Rose Tambanis
October 7, 2011
Diane was a great lady who had achieved much in her lifetime. She will be greatly missed here in our community in Far North Queensland. I shall fondly remember her in her latter years racing around her property at Karnak on this massive slasher when help was hard to get. She spoke fondly of her family and was proud of them. RIP Rose Tambanis Cairns
October 7, 2011
TALENTED ACTRESS. WE DIDN'T SEE HER ON THE SILVER SCREEN ENOUGH. RIP.
October 7, 2011
Please accept my sympathy during this time of sadness.
earle w.
October 7, 2011
May God provide comfort and strength to her family and close friends. Oh Lord, hear my prayer.
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