Australia’s first supermodel (87) and Stranger Things and Dynasty actor (77) pass away
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The Australian fashion and television industry is mourning the loss of a true pioneer, Maggie Tabberer, who passed away at the age of 87.
As tributes pour in, it's clear that Tabberer was not just a household name but a beloved national treasure whose influence spanned across seven decades.
Maggie Tabberer's journey from a 14-year-old scouted at her sister's wedding to becoming Australia's first supermodel is nothing short of remarkable.
Her daughter Amanda Tabberer announced her passing with a heartfelt message, stating, 'Today we lost our beautiful mother and Nanna. She was an icon in every sense of the word, and we will miss her dearly…along with the rest of Australia. Rest in peace, Nanna. We love you to bits forever.'
Born in South Australia, Tabberer’s striking beauty and poise caught the eye of a photographer, setting her on a path to becoming a celebrated model.
Under the mentorship of renowned photographer Helmut Newton, she quickly rose to prominence, clinching the 1960 Model of the Year award in Melbourne.
Her career was a series of firsts, breaking ground in an industry that was still in its infancy in Australia.
At just 25, Tabberer transitioned from modelling to becoming a formidable force in the business world, launching her own public relations and clothing companies.
Her connections within the fashion industry paved the way for her to become the public face of the Australian Women's Weekly, where she served as fashion editor for 15 years after being personally approached by billionaire Kerry Packer.
Her charm and wit translated effortlessly to television, where she won the hearts of viewers and earned two consecutive Gold Logie awards for hosting her own daily chat show, Maggie.
She continued to connect with audiences through her later show, Maggie...At Home With, which offered an intimate glimpse into the lives of Australian celebrities.
She also co-presented The Home Show, a lifestyle television series, with former partner Richard Zachariah from 1990 to 1995.
She was made a Member of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours, a testament to her dedication to charitable organisations and her significant contributions to advancing the Australian fashion industry.
Journalist Andrew Hornery paid homage to Tabberer’s fun-loving nature, writing on social media, 'Legend. Icon. Champion. There are not enough descriptors to truly encapsulate what she represented over a seven-decade career.’
‘We crossed paths many times and it was always a pleasure. She enjoyed a little tittle-tattle and had a wonderful sense of humour—self-deprecating but always positive.'
She is survived by her daughters Amanda and Brooke, who, along with the rest of Australia, will cherish her memory and the indelible mark she left on the world.
In other news, the entertainment world is mourning the loss of a versatile and cherished actor, Mark Withers, whose memorable performances graced our screens in beloved shows such as Stranger Things, Dynasty, and Magnum, P.I.
At the age of 77, Withers succumbed to pancreatic cancer, a formidable opponent that he faced with the same resilience and grace that characterised his long-standing career.
Mark Withers' journey in the limelight began in the 1970s, not on the sets of television dramas but in the world of advertising.
With a natural charisma and a presence that couldn't be ignored, he caught the eye of an agent and soon found himself the face of major brands, including American Airlines, Folger's Coffee, and McDonald's.
His transition from commercials to television and film was seamless, and he quickly became a familiar face to audiences worldwide.
His daughter Jessie Withers, in a heartfelt statement, reflected on her father's legacy, saying, 'He confronted his illness with the same strength and dignity he brought to his craft, creating a legacy of warmth, humour, and dedication, along with his remarkable ability to make every role unforgettable.'
‘Mark’s enduring talent and commitment to the industry will be fondly remembered by colleagues, friends, and fans alike.’
Before his foray into acting, Withers was a star athlete with a football scholarship to Penn State.
However, destiny had a different path in store for him, and the world of entertainment gained a talented actor.
His career spanned over four decades, with his last on-screen appearance in 2019.
In 2016, Withers joined the cast of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things during its first season, playing Coroner Gary. Though a small role, his performance left an indelible mark on the show's fans.
His career was dotted with appearances in iconic series such as Wonder Woman, Trapper John, M.D., Death Of A Centrefold: The Dorothy Stratten Story, The Dukes Of Hazzard, Hart To Hart, Remington Steele, Dallas and Matlock.
Withers also starred as Coach Locke on the iconic soap opera Days of Our Lives from 1986 to 1987.
After a brief hiatus in the 1990s, he returned to television with a guest appearance on the sitcom Frasier in 2001. The 2010s saw him in True Blood, Castle, and Sense8, among others.
His work extended beyond the small screen to the silver screen, where he featured in low-budget films such as Basic Training, The Ultimate Life, Turn Around Jake and Bolden.
Mark Withers leaves behind his wife, Haiyan Liu Withers, and his daughter Jessie.
You can watch one of Withers’ scenes in Dynasty below:
Credit: Jeff Colby / YouTube
As we bid farewell to Mark Withers and Maggie Tabberer, we at the Seniors Discount Club extend our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones.
Rest in peace, Maggie Tabberer and Mark Withers, and thank you for the memories.
As tributes pour in, it's clear that Tabberer was not just a household name but a beloved national treasure whose influence spanned across seven decades.
Maggie Tabberer's journey from a 14-year-old scouted at her sister's wedding to becoming Australia's first supermodel is nothing short of remarkable.
Her daughter Amanda Tabberer announced her passing with a heartfelt message, stating, 'Today we lost our beautiful mother and Nanna. She was an icon in every sense of the word, and we will miss her dearly…along with the rest of Australia. Rest in peace, Nanna. We love you to bits forever.'
Australian model Maggie Tabberrer has passed away at 87. Credit: Helmut Newton and @9newssydney / Instagram
Born in South Australia, Tabberer’s striking beauty and poise caught the eye of a photographer, setting her on a path to becoming a celebrated model.
Under the mentorship of renowned photographer Helmut Newton, she quickly rose to prominence, clinching the 1960 Model of the Year award in Melbourne.
Her career was a series of firsts, breaking ground in an industry that was still in its infancy in Australia.
At just 25, Tabberer transitioned from modelling to becoming a formidable force in the business world, launching her own public relations and clothing companies.
Her connections within the fashion industry paved the way for her to become the public face of the Australian Women's Weekly, where she served as fashion editor for 15 years after being personally approached by billionaire Kerry Packer.
Her charm and wit translated effortlessly to television, where she won the hearts of viewers and earned two consecutive Gold Logie awards for hosting her own daily chat show, Maggie.
She continued to connect with audiences through her later show, Maggie...At Home With, which offered an intimate glimpse into the lives of Australian celebrities.
She also co-presented The Home Show, a lifestyle television series, with former partner Richard Zachariah from 1990 to 1995.
She was made a Member of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours, a testament to her dedication to charitable organisations and her significant contributions to advancing the Australian fashion industry.
Journalist Andrew Hornery paid homage to Tabberer’s fun-loving nature, writing on social media, 'Legend. Icon. Champion. There are not enough descriptors to truly encapsulate what she represented over a seven-decade career.’
‘We crossed paths many times and it was always a pleasure. She enjoyed a little tittle-tattle and had a wonderful sense of humour—self-deprecating but always positive.'
She is survived by her daughters Amanda and Brooke, who, along with the rest of Australia, will cherish her memory and the indelible mark she left on the world.
In other news, the entertainment world is mourning the loss of a versatile and cherished actor, Mark Withers, whose memorable performances graced our screens in beloved shows such as Stranger Things, Dynasty, and Magnum, P.I.
At the age of 77, Withers succumbed to pancreatic cancer, a formidable opponent that he faced with the same resilience and grace that characterised his long-standing career.
Mark Withers' journey in the limelight began in the 1970s, not on the sets of television dramas but in the world of advertising.
Mark Withers has passed away at 77. Credit: IMDb
With a natural charisma and a presence that couldn't be ignored, he caught the eye of an agent and soon found himself the face of major brands, including American Airlines, Folger's Coffee, and McDonald's.
His transition from commercials to television and film was seamless, and he quickly became a familiar face to audiences worldwide.
His daughter Jessie Withers, in a heartfelt statement, reflected on her father's legacy, saying, 'He confronted his illness with the same strength and dignity he brought to his craft, creating a legacy of warmth, humour, and dedication, along with his remarkable ability to make every role unforgettable.'
‘Mark’s enduring talent and commitment to the industry will be fondly remembered by colleagues, friends, and fans alike.’
Before his foray into acting, Withers was a star athlete with a football scholarship to Penn State.
However, destiny had a different path in store for him, and the world of entertainment gained a talented actor.
His career spanned over four decades, with his last on-screen appearance in 2019.
In 2016, Withers joined the cast of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things during its first season, playing Coroner Gary. Though a small role, his performance left an indelible mark on the show's fans.
His career was dotted with appearances in iconic series such as Wonder Woman, Trapper John, M.D., Death Of A Centrefold: The Dorothy Stratten Story, The Dukes Of Hazzard, Hart To Hart, Remington Steele, Dallas and Matlock.
Withers also starred as Coach Locke on the iconic soap opera Days of Our Lives from 1986 to 1987.
After a brief hiatus in the 1990s, he returned to television with a guest appearance on the sitcom Frasier in 2001. The 2010s saw him in True Blood, Castle, and Sense8, among others.
His work extended beyond the small screen to the silver screen, where he featured in low-budget films such as Basic Training, The Ultimate Life, Turn Around Jake and Bolden.
Mark Withers leaves behind his wife, Haiyan Liu Withers, and his daughter Jessie.
You can watch one of Withers’ scenes in Dynasty below:
Credit: Jeff Colby / YouTube
Rest in peace, Maggie Tabberer and Mark Withers, and thank you for the memories.
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You were all class Maggie, Vale beautiful lady 
