Remembering the legacy of soap opera star Leila Hayes (85)
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Australia has lost a cherished icon of the entertainment industry.
Soap opera star and media personality Leila Hayes has passed away at the age of 85.
She passed away peacefully in a hospital located in Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Her acting school, Leila Hayes Drama Studio, announced the news of her passing.
Born on 12 January 1940 in Dimboola, Victoria, Hayes embarked on a career in the entertainment industry, which would later see her as a familiar face and voice across the country.
Her journey began as a singer who graced television screens on The Don Lane Show and the Bert Newton Show.
However, Hayes debuted as an actress in the 1970s, which cemented her place in the hearts of Australian viewers.
Hayes' acting prowess shone through in her appearances on popular drama series like Homicide, Power Without Glory, The Sullivans, Prisoner, and Cop Shop.
Yet, her portrayal of Beryl Palmer in the soap opera Sons and Daughters became her most memorable role.
Since joining the show's cast in 1982, Hayes appeared for about 1000 episodes and had a five-year run in the series.
Hayes brought depth and relatability to the character, which earned her a special place in the pantheon of Australian television.
Beyond the screen, Hayes also made her mark on the airwaves as a radio presenter.
She hosted the midnight-to-dawn program New Day Australia with Leila Hayes on Radio 2UE, where she showed her versatility and deep connection with listeners through radio.
Her passion for the performing arts also extended towards the next generation of talent.
She established the Leila Hayes Drama Studio in Melbourne in 1979, which later expanded to Sydney in 1987.
Through the studio, Hayes dedicated herself to guiding up-and-coming actors in the industry.
Hayes was also a prolific writer. She authored several plays and published her first children's book, Streak, in 2018.
She was also active in community service, as she ran voluntary drama programs for youth and senior citizens.
Hayes was awarded Rotary International's Paul Harris Fellow Award and a Premier Award for Service to the Community.
In her later years, Hayes lived a life away from the limelight, surrounded by family.
She was survived by her daughter Melissa, son-in-law Erik, and grandsons Lucian and Liam.
Her brother Jeff remembered her as a 'great actress, a great singer, a loving sister and a loving mother'.
She lived a life filled with joy and challenges but remained a 'fighter to the end'.
Her daughter, Melissa, acknowledged the outpouring of love and support for her mum.
She thanked Hayes' fans, peers, and students for their condolences and shared memories, as it brought comfort to the family during a difficult time.
Leila Hayes' passing marked the end of an era for Australian entertainment, but her legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with those who admired her work.
As the nation mourns the loss of this remarkable woman, we are reminded of the impact one person can have on the cultural fabric of a country.
May Leila Hayes rest in peace.
Soap opera star and media personality Leila Hayes has passed away at the age of 85.
She passed away peacefully in a hospital located in Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Her acting school, Leila Hayes Drama Studio, announced the news of her passing.
Born on 12 January 1940 in Dimboola, Victoria, Hayes embarked on a career in the entertainment industry, which would later see her as a familiar face and voice across the country.
Her journey began as a singer who graced television screens on The Don Lane Show and the Bert Newton Show.
However, Hayes debuted as an actress in the 1970s, which cemented her place in the hearts of Australian viewers.
Hayes' acting prowess shone through in her appearances on popular drama series like Homicide, Power Without Glory, The Sullivans, Prisoner, and Cop Shop.
Leila Hayes ran the Leila Hayes Drama Studio to train new talents for the entertainment industry. Image Credit: Leila Hayes Drama Studio
Yet, her portrayal of Beryl Palmer in the soap opera Sons and Daughters became her most memorable role.
Since joining the show's cast in 1982, Hayes appeared for about 1000 episodes and had a five-year run in the series.
Hayes brought depth and relatability to the character, which earned her a special place in the pantheon of Australian television.
Beyond the screen, Hayes also made her mark on the airwaves as a radio presenter.
She hosted the midnight-to-dawn program New Day Australia with Leila Hayes on Radio 2UE, where she showed her versatility and deep connection with listeners through radio.
Her passion for the performing arts also extended towards the next generation of talent.
She established the Leila Hayes Drama Studio in Melbourne in 1979, which later expanded to Sydney in 1987.
Through the studio, Hayes dedicated herself to guiding up-and-coming actors in the industry.
Hayes was also a prolific writer. She authored several plays and published her first children's book, Streak, in 2018.
She was also active in community service, as she ran voluntary drama programs for youth and senior citizens.
Hayes was awarded Rotary International's Paul Harris Fellow Award and a Premier Award for Service to the Community.
In her later years, Hayes lived a life away from the limelight, surrounded by family.
She was survived by her daughter Melissa, son-in-law Erik, and grandsons Lucian and Liam.
Her brother Jeff remembered her as a 'great actress, a great singer, a loving sister and a loving mother'.
She lived a life filled with joy and challenges but remained a 'fighter to the end'.
Her daughter, Melissa, acknowledged the outpouring of love and support for her mum.
She thanked Hayes' fans, peers, and students for their condolences and shared memories, as it brought comfort to the family during a difficult time.
Leila Hayes' passing marked the end of an era for Australian entertainment, but her legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with those who admired her work.
May Leila Hayes rest in peace.
