Sir James Hardy and Glenda Jackson: The tragic passing of an iconic Australian sailor and an Oscar-winning actress
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Today we would like to pay tribute to two extraordinary personalities who recently passed away: renowned Australian sailor and winemaker Sir James Hardy and award-winning British actress Glenda Jackson.
Both exceptional individuals contributed immensely to their respective fields and will be sorely missed.
The Sailing Legend: Sir James Hardy
We sadly bid farewell to Sir James Hardy, a celebrated Australian sailor who played a significant role in Australian sports history. He passed away peacefully in Adelaide at the age of 90.
As part of Australia's yachting elite, Hardy actively contributed to the nation's sailing success, skippering three America's Cup challenges in 1970, 1974, and 1980. He also served as a crucial advisor to the Australia II crew, led by John Bertrand, which achieved the historic feat of ending the United States' 132-year dominance in the competition in 1983.
Affectionately known as 'Gentleman Jim', Hardy received an OBE in 1975 and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1981 for his services to yachting and the community. He also represented Australia in two consecutive Olympic Games, in Tokyo in 1964 and Mexico City in 1968.
According to Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) President Ian Chesterman, James Hardy was an exceptional figure in his sport, renowned for his remarkable accomplishments.
‘James Hardy made an impact in many areas during his life, and he will be very sadly missed by the sailing community and the broader Australian sports community,’ he said.
Beyond being a sailor, Hardy was also a businessman, serving as the chairman of the family company that produced some of Australia's most famous wine brands. Many of our members will have enjoyed the well-loved Hardys range of wines during festive occasions.
Sir James is survived by his wife Joan, brother David, sister Pamela, and sons David and Richard. A private funeral will be held in Adelaide, with a memorial service planned for a later date. We extend our condolences to his family and friends.
The Acting Maestro: Glenda Jackson
Our club also mourns the loss of British actress Glenda Jackson, who passed away peacefully at her London home, aged 87, after a brief illness, surrounded by family.
Jackson, one of four daughters born to a bricklayer and a cleaning lady in north-west England, remained grounded in her humble origins throughout her rise to becoming one of her generation's most esteemed female actors.
With her angular features, accompanied by captivating, sharp eyes, Jackson graced the stages, television screens, and silver screens before abandoning acting to pursue a career in politics, citing the ‘lack of allure’ in an actor's life.
Growing up in Birkenhead, Cheshire, Jackson left school at a mere 15 years old, finding employment in a shop until she was fortunate enough to secure a coveted spot at the esteemed Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
In 1971, she achieved her first Academy Award for her remarkable performance as a headstrong artist in Women in Love.
Credit: criterioncollection.
Three years later, Jackson triumphed once again, earning her second Oscar for her role in A Touch of Class, a delightful romantic comedy directed by Melvin Frank. In this film, she portrayed a harried fashion designer entangled in a tumultuous love affair with an American businessman amidst the backdrop of bustling London.
Notably, Jackson's talent extended beyond the silver screen. She garnered two Emmy awards for her exceptional depiction of England's iconic Queen Elizabeth I in the BBC's 1971 television series Elizabeth R.
In 2018, she received the prestigious Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play, thanks to her exceptional performance in the revival of Edward Albee's Three Tall Women.
After a successful acting career, Jackson entered the world of politics, being elected as an MP for Hampstead and Highgate in 1992 and serving as Junior Transport Minister under Tony Blair. She retired from politics in 2015, uniquely holding the distinction of being the only British parliament member to have won an Oscar.
In 1978, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed upon her the prestigious honour of being appointed a CBE.
Glenda is survived by her son Dan Hodges. We send our heartfelt condolences to her loved ones and fans.
In their pursuits of excellence, both Sir James Hardy and Glenda Jackson have inspired generations, leaving a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come. May they rest in peace.
Both exceptional individuals contributed immensely to their respective fields and will be sorely missed.
The expert yachtsman competed in consecutive Olympic Games and was a famous winemaker. Credit: Australian Olympic Committee.
The Sailing Legend: Sir James Hardy
We sadly bid farewell to Sir James Hardy, a celebrated Australian sailor who played a significant role in Australian sports history. He passed away peacefully in Adelaide at the age of 90.
As part of Australia's yachting elite, Hardy actively contributed to the nation's sailing success, skippering three America's Cup challenges in 1970, 1974, and 1980. He also served as a crucial advisor to the Australia II crew, led by John Bertrand, which achieved the historic feat of ending the United States' 132-year dominance in the competition in 1983.
Affectionately known as 'Gentleman Jim', Hardy received an OBE in 1975 and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1981 for his services to yachting and the community. He also represented Australia in two consecutive Olympic Games, in Tokyo in 1964 and Mexico City in 1968.
According to Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) President Ian Chesterman, James Hardy was an exceptional figure in his sport, renowned for his remarkable accomplishments.
‘James Hardy made an impact in many areas during his life, and he will be very sadly missed by the sailing community and the broader Australian sports community,’ he said.
Beyond being a sailor, Hardy was also a businessman, serving as the chairman of the family company that produced some of Australia's most famous wine brands. Many of our members will have enjoyed the well-loved Hardys range of wines during festive occasions.
Sir James is survived by his wife Joan, brother David, sister Pamela, and sons David and Richard. A private funeral will be held in Adelaide, with a memorial service planned for a later date. We extend our condolences to his family and friends.
Jackson was known for both her time on screen and in parliament. Credit: YouTube/Criterion Collection.
The Acting Maestro: Glenda Jackson
Our club also mourns the loss of British actress Glenda Jackson, who passed away peacefully at her London home, aged 87, after a brief illness, surrounded by family.
Jackson, one of four daughters born to a bricklayer and a cleaning lady in north-west England, remained grounded in her humble origins throughout her rise to becoming one of her generation's most esteemed female actors.
With her angular features, accompanied by captivating, sharp eyes, Jackson graced the stages, television screens, and silver screens before abandoning acting to pursue a career in politics, citing the ‘lack of allure’ in an actor's life.
Growing up in Birkenhead, Cheshire, Jackson left school at a mere 15 years old, finding employment in a shop until she was fortunate enough to secure a coveted spot at the esteemed Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
In 1971, she achieved her first Academy Award for her remarkable performance as a headstrong artist in Women in Love.
Credit: criterioncollection.
Three years later, Jackson triumphed once again, earning her second Oscar for her role in A Touch of Class, a delightful romantic comedy directed by Melvin Frank. In this film, she portrayed a harried fashion designer entangled in a tumultuous love affair with an American businessman amidst the backdrop of bustling London.
Notably, Jackson's talent extended beyond the silver screen. She garnered two Emmy awards for her exceptional depiction of England's iconic Queen Elizabeth I in the BBC's 1971 television series Elizabeth R.
In 2018, she received the prestigious Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play, thanks to her exceptional performance in the revival of Edward Albee's Three Tall Women.
After a successful acting career, Jackson entered the world of politics, being elected as an MP for Hampstead and Highgate in 1992 and serving as Junior Transport Minister under Tony Blair. She retired from politics in 2015, uniquely holding the distinction of being the only British parliament member to have won an Oscar.
In 1978, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed upon her the prestigious honour of being appointed a CBE.
Glenda is survived by her son Dan Hodges. We send our heartfelt condolences to her loved ones and fans.
Australian sailor and winemaker Sir James Hardy and Oscar-winner Glenda Jackson recently passed away. Credit: Twitter/sporticonobit, YouTube/criterioncollection.
In their pursuits of excellence, both Sir James Hardy and Glenda Jackson have inspired generations, leaving a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come. May they rest in peace.
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