Film fans mourn: Death of iconic star at 85 shocks world
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The Australian entertainment community is mourning the loss of one of its most vibrant and loved characters, who passed away at the age of 85 after a battle with cancer.
She is known for her memorable role as Shirley in the iconic 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Her legacy extends beyond the silver screen, touching the hearts of many in her local community and nationwide.
June Marie Bennett's journey to stardom was as colourful as the characters she played.
A Broken Hill local, Bennett was energetic, caring, and colourful. Those who knew her remembered her as a 'born performer.'
Her role in Priscilla brought her national and local attention, but her dedication to the arts and community truly defined her life.
Bennett's daughter shared the news of her passing on social media, touching the hearts of many inspired by her mother's zest for life and unwavering spirit.
Despite her initial reservations about the role in Priscilla due to her Seventh-day Adventist beliefs, Bennett embraced the part and the community it represented.
She formed lasting friendships with drag queens and became a regular at the Mardi Gras and the Broken Heel Festival.
Her artistic endeavours spanned decades, and she was active in Broken Hill's theatre scene and the local Philharmonic Choir.
In 2012, Bennett was awarded an Order of Australia medal for her 50-year contribution to local art and music.
Diane Magor, a friend of 40 years and the celebrant at Bennett's memorial, recalled how Bennett remained committed to the arts even in her final months.
‘She always soldiered on, even with this cancer, she was still in our 90th-anniversary concert in May,’ she said.
‘She had to wear a wig, but she was definitely there in the front row being June, and I'm gonna miss that smile looking at me as I conduct.’
‘You could just feel the energy pouring off her.’
Her daughter, Paula Langford, shared a poignant moment on social media, revealing that she was holding her mother's hand and singing the Long Time Sun prayer as she passed.
Bennett's incredible love for life, compassion, empathy, understanding, and forgiveness made her shine brightly in the eyes of all who knew her.
The Broken Heel Festival organizers, among countless friends and admirers, have expressed their condolences and shared stories of Bennett's tireless enthusiasm for bringing smiles and joy to her community.
They described her as ‘tireless enthusiasm to bring smiles and joy to her community.’
At Bennett's request, the Broken Hill Musicians Club will hold a 'celebration of life' service fittingly titled 'Let ME Entertain You'.
Guests are encouraged to wear something yellow to honour Bennett's bright personality.
In true June/Priscilla style, a final curtain call event will follow the service at a local pub, where guests are encouraged to perform in her honour.
The night will conclude at the Palace Hotel, where Bennett's Priscilla stardom began.
How did June Marie Bennett’s work in the arts impact your community? How did Bennett’s role in Priscilla reflect her journey? Share your opinion in the comments below.
She is known for her memorable role as Shirley in the iconic 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Her legacy extends beyond the silver screen, touching the hearts of many in her local community and nationwide.
June Marie Bennett's journey to stardom was as colourful as the characters she played.
A Broken Hill local, Bennett was energetic, caring, and colourful. Those who knew her remembered her as a 'born performer.'
Her role in Priscilla brought her national and local attention, but her dedication to the arts and community truly defined her life.
June Marie Bennett, famous for her role as Shirl in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, has been remembered at 85. Credit: @brokenheelfestival / Instagram
Bennett's daughter shared the news of her passing on social media, touching the hearts of many inspired by her mother's zest for life and unwavering spirit.
Despite her initial reservations about the role in Priscilla due to her Seventh-day Adventist beliefs, Bennett embraced the part and the community it represented.
She formed lasting friendships with drag queens and became a regular at the Mardi Gras and the Broken Heel Festival.
Her artistic endeavours spanned decades, and she was active in Broken Hill's theatre scene and the local Philharmonic Choir.
In 2012, Bennett was awarded an Order of Australia medal for her 50-year contribution to local art and music.
Diane Magor, a friend of 40 years and the celebrant at Bennett's memorial, recalled how Bennett remained committed to the arts even in her final months.
‘She always soldiered on, even with this cancer, she was still in our 90th-anniversary concert in May,’ she said.
‘She had to wear a wig, but she was definitely there in the front row being June, and I'm gonna miss that smile looking at me as I conduct.’
‘You could just feel the energy pouring off her.’
Her daughter, Paula Langford, shared a poignant moment on social media, revealing that she was holding her mother's hand and singing the Long Time Sun prayer as she passed.
Bennett's incredible love for life, compassion, empathy, understanding, and forgiveness made her shine brightly in the eyes of all who knew her.
The Broken Heel Festival organizers, among countless friends and admirers, have expressed their condolences and shared stories of Bennett's tireless enthusiasm for bringing smiles and joy to her community.
They described her as ‘tireless enthusiasm to bring smiles and joy to her community.’
At Bennett's request, the Broken Hill Musicians Club will hold a 'celebration of life' service fittingly titled 'Let ME Entertain You'.
Guests are encouraged to wear something yellow to honour Bennett's bright personality.
In true June/Priscilla style, a final curtain call event will follow the service at a local pub, where guests are encouraged to perform in her honour.
The night will conclude at the Palace Hotel, where Bennett's Priscilla stardom began.
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are with her family 
