Honouring the lives of an acclaimed Aboriginal artist (78) and Broadway star (85)
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The entertainment industry has seen many stars come and go.
Today, we mourn the passing of two figures who shaped Australia's music scene and Hollywood's theatre scene.
The Australian music community and the Bidjigal people lost a towering figure.
Musician and educator William Victor Simms has passed away at the age of 78.
Known affectionately as Uncle Vic or by his nickname Bunno, his six-decade career spanned performance, entertainment, teaching, and business.
Uncle Vic undeniably left an indelible mark on Australia's cultural landscape.
Uncle Vic's journey began in La Perouse Mission in Sydney's south-east in 1946, where he quickly showed signs of talent.
He started songwriting and singing professionally at the age of 11, setting him up for a remarkable music career.
His career officially took off after his performance at the Manly Jazzorama Music Festival in 1957.
At 15 years old, Uncle Vic already released his first single, 'Yo-Yo Heart'.
He released his debut album, The Loner, in 1973, which would later be recognised as one of the first Aboriginal protest albums and a significant piece of Australian music history.
Uncle Vic's influence extended beyond music.
As Australia's first Aboriginal man to appear on television, he became a household name within the Koori community.
Uncle Vic's son, William, fondly remembered his father and his personality.
'He was a much-loved personality of the South Sydney community. He was a family man; he loved entertainment and loved his people,' William shared.
His cousin, Aunty Yvonne Simmons, recalled Uncle Vic's warm and uplifting aura.
'He was a storyteller, a bit of a warrior, and just a beautiful person,' Aunty Yvonne shared.
'Most of all, he was a Bidjigal warrior and a Bidjigal Elder. His heart would go out to anybody and everybody.'
Uncle Vic has seen various accolades throughout his career.
Uncle Vic Simms' The Loner was part of the 110 Best Australian Albums.
He also received the Deadly Award for Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal Music in 2001.
His induction into the National Film and Sound Archive registry further cemented his status as a cultural icon.
Despite his success, Uncle Vic's life also saw several challenges.
His struggles with alcohol and other influences led to a robbery conviction and incarceration at 22 years old.
However, even behind bars, his creativity flourished.
He composed The Loner entirely from within Bathurst jail, which showcased his resilience and artistic spirit.
In his later years, Uncle Vic dedicated himself to philanthropy and Indigenous education.
He worked with the University of New South Wales for over 15 years, delivering cultural education sessions.
He was also honoured with an honorary doctorate from UNSW Sydney.
Watch a snippet of Uncle Vic Simms' story here:
Source: ABC News Australia/YouTube
His commitment to lifelong learning and cultural preservation was an inspiration to many.
Uncle Vic's legacy was one of triumph over adversity, artistic excellence, and profound community impact.
He is survived by his wife Joan, four children, 15 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, who, along with countless admirers, will carry forward the memory of this Bidjigal warrior and Elder.
The curtains have fallen on the illustrious career of Tony Roberts—a name synonymous with the golden era of Broadway and Woody Allen's quirky cinematic universe.
Roberts passed away at 85 years old.
Roberts' daughter, Nicole Burley, confirmed his passing in a statement to the New York Times.
His passing left behind a legacy of laughter, drama, and an indelible mark on the arts.
Tony Roberts was a chameleon of the stage and screen as he seamlessly transitioned between musicals and plays, comedy and drama.
His Tony Award-nominated performances were a testament to his versatility and dedication to his craft.
From his role in the Broadway musical How Now, Dow Jones in 1967 to his turn in Victor/Victoria alongside Julie Andrews in 1995, Roberts' charm and stage presence were undeniable.
Even in the campy roller-disco musical Xanadu in 2007 and The Royal Family in 2009, he brought a level of geniality that only a seasoned performer could.
Tony Roberts' memoir, Do You Know Me?, offered a glimpse into his thoughts, as he was sure of his calling from a young age.
'I've never been fortunate at card games. I've never hit a jackpot. But I have been extremely lucky in life,' Roberts wrote.
He knew he was destined for the stage long before adulthood beckoned.
His collaborations with American director Woody Allen quickly became one of his best works.
Their partnership began with a chance encounter after Tony Roberts filled in for Robert Redford in Barefoot in the Park.
Allen, who previously rejected Tony Roberts at auditions, saw his performance and was convinced of his talent.
According to the memoir, Allen quipped, 'You were great. How come you're such a lousy auditioner?'
Roberts continued gracing the Broadway stage in Allen's 1966 comedy Don't Drink the Water and reprised his role in the film adaptation.
He also starred in Play It Again, Sam in 1969, which led to a Tony Award nomination and a role in the movie version.
Roberts became a staple presence in Allen's films, which showcased a dynamic duo that brought wit and neurotic charm to the silver screen.
'Roberts' confident onscreen presence—not to mention his tall frame, broad shoulders and brown curly mane—was the perfect foil for Allen's various neurotic characters, making them more funny and enjoyable to watch,' The Jewish Daily Forward wrote about Roberts in 2016.
This sentiment was echoed by many who appreciated the artistry and nuance Roberts brought to his roles.
His Broadway success continued even outside his duo with Allen.
Roberts also appeared in Charles Busch's hit comedy, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife (2000), where he played the title character's husband.
His career spanned decades, with Roberts witnessing the tail end of Broadway's Golden Age.
'I was lucky enough to get in on the last years of the Golden Age of Broadway. In that era, there was a lot more going on that seemed to have a high quality about it and great conviction,' he reflected in an interview with Broadway World.
Roberts' television credits were just as impressive, with appearances on shows like Murder, She Wrote and Law & Order.
He also starred in the West End production of Promises, Promises in London.
Learn more about his passing here:
Source: ETimes/YouTube
Born in New York on October 22, 1939, to radio and television announcer Ken Roberts, Tony was steeped in the world of acting from a young age.
His familial connections, including respected actor Everett Sloane and his father's circle of actor friends, undoubtedly influenced his path.
Tony Roberts graduated from the High School of Music and Art in New York and Northwestern University in Illinois.
He was previously married to actress Jennifer Lyons.
He is survived by his daughter, actor Nicole Burley, who carries on the family's artistic legacy.
As we remember these two influential figures, let's take the time to listen or watch their works in their memory.
May they both rest in peace.
Today, we mourn the passing of two figures who shaped Australia's music scene and Hollywood's theatre scene.
The Australian music community and the Bidjigal people lost a towering figure.
Musician and educator William Victor Simms has passed away at the age of 78.
Known affectionately as Uncle Vic or by his nickname Bunno, his six-decade career spanned performance, entertainment, teaching, and business.
Uncle Vic undeniably left an indelible mark on Australia's cultural landscape.
Uncle Vic Simms always introduced new Indigenous talent during his shows. Image Credit: Campbelltown Arts Centre
Uncle Vic's journey began in La Perouse Mission in Sydney's south-east in 1946, where he quickly showed signs of talent.
He started songwriting and singing professionally at the age of 11, setting him up for a remarkable music career.
His career officially took off after his performance at the Manly Jazzorama Music Festival in 1957.
At 15 years old, Uncle Vic already released his first single, 'Yo-Yo Heart'.
He released his debut album, The Loner, in 1973, which would later be recognised as one of the first Aboriginal protest albums and a significant piece of Australian music history.
Uncle Vic's influence extended beyond music.
As Australia's first Aboriginal man to appear on television, he became a household name within the Koori community.
Uncle Vic's son, William, fondly remembered his father and his personality.
'He was a much-loved personality of the South Sydney community. He was a family man; he loved entertainment and loved his people,' William shared.
His cousin, Aunty Yvonne Simmons, recalled Uncle Vic's warm and uplifting aura.
'He was a storyteller, a bit of a warrior, and just a beautiful person,' Aunty Yvonne shared.
'Most of all, he was a Bidjigal warrior and a Bidjigal Elder. His heart would go out to anybody and everybody.'
Uncle Vic has seen various accolades throughout his career.
Uncle Vic Simms' The Loner was part of the 110 Best Australian Albums.
He also received the Deadly Award for Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal Music in 2001.
His induction into the National Film and Sound Archive registry further cemented his status as a cultural icon.
Despite his success, Uncle Vic's life also saw several challenges.
His struggles with alcohol and other influences led to a robbery conviction and incarceration at 22 years old.
However, even behind bars, his creativity flourished.
He composed The Loner entirely from within Bathurst jail, which showcased his resilience and artistic spirit.
In his later years, Uncle Vic dedicated himself to philanthropy and Indigenous education.
He worked with the University of New South Wales for over 15 years, delivering cultural education sessions.
He was also honoured with an honorary doctorate from UNSW Sydney.
Watch a snippet of Uncle Vic Simms' story here:
Source: ABC News Australia/YouTube
His commitment to lifelong learning and cultural preservation was an inspiration to many.
Uncle Vic's legacy was one of triumph over adversity, artistic excellence, and profound community impact.
He is survived by his wife Joan, four children, 15 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, who, along with countless admirers, will carry forward the memory of this Bidjigal warrior and Elder.
The curtains have fallen on the illustrious career of Tony Roberts—a name synonymous with the golden era of Broadway and Woody Allen's quirky cinematic universe.
Roberts passed away at 85 years old.
Roberts' daughter, Nicole Burley, confirmed his passing in a statement to the New York Times.
His passing left behind a legacy of laughter, drama, and an indelible mark on the arts.
Tony Roberts later into his career. Image Credit: IMdB
Tony Roberts was a chameleon of the stage and screen as he seamlessly transitioned between musicals and plays, comedy and drama.
His Tony Award-nominated performances were a testament to his versatility and dedication to his craft.
From his role in the Broadway musical How Now, Dow Jones in 1967 to his turn in Victor/Victoria alongside Julie Andrews in 1995, Roberts' charm and stage presence were undeniable.
Even in the campy roller-disco musical Xanadu in 2007 and The Royal Family in 2009, he brought a level of geniality that only a seasoned performer could.
Tony Roberts' memoir, Do You Know Me?, offered a glimpse into his thoughts, as he was sure of his calling from a young age.
'I've never been fortunate at card games. I've never hit a jackpot. But I have been extremely lucky in life,' Roberts wrote.
He knew he was destined for the stage long before adulthood beckoned.
His collaborations with American director Woody Allen quickly became one of his best works.
Their partnership began with a chance encounter after Tony Roberts filled in for Robert Redford in Barefoot in the Park.
Allen, who previously rejected Tony Roberts at auditions, saw his performance and was convinced of his talent.
According to the memoir, Allen quipped, 'You were great. How come you're such a lousy auditioner?'
Roberts continued gracing the Broadway stage in Allen's 1966 comedy Don't Drink the Water and reprised his role in the film adaptation.
He also starred in Play It Again, Sam in 1969, which led to a Tony Award nomination and a role in the movie version.
Roberts became a staple presence in Allen's films, which showcased a dynamic duo that brought wit and neurotic charm to the silver screen.
'Roberts' confident onscreen presence—not to mention his tall frame, broad shoulders and brown curly mane—was the perfect foil for Allen's various neurotic characters, making them more funny and enjoyable to watch,' The Jewish Daily Forward wrote about Roberts in 2016.
This sentiment was echoed by many who appreciated the artistry and nuance Roberts brought to his roles.
His Broadway success continued even outside his duo with Allen.
Roberts also appeared in Charles Busch's hit comedy, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife (2000), where he played the title character's husband.
His career spanned decades, with Roberts witnessing the tail end of Broadway's Golden Age.
'I was lucky enough to get in on the last years of the Golden Age of Broadway. In that era, there was a lot more going on that seemed to have a high quality about it and great conviction,' he reflected in an interview with Broadway World.
Roberts' television credits were just as impressive, with appearances on shows like Murder, She Wrote and Law & Order.
He also starred in the West End production of Promises, Promises in London.
Learn more about his passing here:
Source: ETimes/YouTube
Born in New York on October 22, 1939, to radio and television announcer Ken Roberts, Tony was steeped in the world of acting from a young age.
His familial connections, including respected actor Everett Sloane and his father's circle of actor friends, undoubtedly influenced his path.
Tony Roberts graduated from the High School of Music and Art in New York and Northwestern University in Illinois.
He was previously married to actress Jennifer Lyons.
He is survived by his daughter, actor Nicole Burley, who carries on the family's artistic legacy.
May they both rest in peace.
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bush…I have never heard of either of these two people!!!
and Tony 
