As we celebrate Nostalgia Week here at the Seniors Discount Club, we're taking a moment to honor the remarkable career of Maggie Dence, an actress whose face is as familiar to Australians as the jingle of a classic TV theme song. From her early days on 'The Mavis Bramston Show' to her recent appearances in 'Heartbreak High' and 'The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart,' Maggie Dence has been a constant presence on our screens, captivating audiences for nearly six decades.



Maggie Dence's journey into the world of acting began in the most unassuming of ways. Born in Chatswood on Sydney's North Shore, Dence was a young girl who, after leaving school at 15, entered business college. Little did she know that her passion for the arts would soon lead her to become one of Australia's most beloved actresses.


Her love for the silver screen was ignited by her parents' weekly trips to the cinema, where she would often fall asleep in the comforting embrace of the darkened theater. It was a letter to Australian star Chips Rafferty that set her on the path to acting, leading her to the Independent Theatre, where she honed her craft alongside the likes of Leonard Teale and Ruth Cracknell.


Dence's career took off with her portrayal of the Wicked Witch in 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' at the Phillip Street Theatre. Despite a critic's harsh prediction that the cast of her next show, 'What's New?,' would never be seen again, Dence and her colleagues proved them wrong, with each going on to enjoy successful careers.

Her return to Australia from England marked a pivotal moment when she was invited to replace Noelene Brown as the face of 'The Mavis Bramston Show.' The character of Mavis, an over-the-top, flamboyant, and self-absorbed star, became a sensation, thanks in part to the sponsorship of Ampol, the petrol company that insisted on her inclusion. Dence's portrayal was so popular that she became the face that launched a thousand petrol bowsers, traveling across Australia to open new stations.

Throughout her career, Dence has taken on a variety of roles, from the dramatic intensity of 'Wake in Fright' and 'Homicide' to the beloved Aunty Rose in 'The Sullivans.' Her departure from the latter show left viewers heartbroken, as her character met a tragic end in the Yarra River.


Comedy also beckoned, with Dence shining as Merle Bullpitt in 'Kingswood Country' and later as school principal Dorothy Burke in 'Neighbours.' Her brief but memorable role in 'Prisoner' and her work alongside Deborra-Lee Furness and a young Hugh Jackman in 'Correlli' further cemented her status as a versatile and talented actress.

As we look back on Maggie Dence's illustrious career, it's clear that her contributions to Australian television have been invaluable. Her ability to adapt to the changing landscape of the industry, her dedication to her craft, and her memorable performances have left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers.

For those of us who have grown up with Maggie Dence gracing our screens, her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. As she continues to work and inspire new generations of actors, we can't help but feel a sense of pride and nostalgia for the golden era of Australian television that she helped to define.
So, dear members, let's raise a glass to Maggie Dence, a true icon of the Australian entertainment industry. Share with us your favorite Maggie Dence moments or how her performances have touched your lives. And stay tuned for tomorrow's feature on another highly-regarded actress who first hit our screens in the 1980s.