From childhood television icon to award-winning stage powerhouse
In short: Few Australian performers have traversed as many creative landscapes as Noni Hazlehurst. From her long-standing presence on Play School to her commanding theatrical performances, she has shaped the nation's cultural fabric through television, film, and music for over five decades.
Born in Melbourne in 1953 to English parents who migrated to Australia in 1951, Leonie Elva "Noni" Hazlehurst began her professional journey in the early 1970s. After studying drama at Flinders University, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1974. Her early television career included roles in Crawford Productions serials and a regular part in The Sullivans starting in late 1976.
Hazlehurst became a household name through her work with children, serving as a Play School presenter from 1978 until 2001. Her dedication to younger audiences extended to her roles as a patron for various charities, including Children's Week from 1991 to 2007, and her work with Barnardos. She even released children's music, such as the 1988 album Shout and Whisper.
Her versatility is evidenced by her transition from lifestyle hosting on Seven Networks' Better Homes and Gardens (1995–2005) to intense dramatic roles. She starred in the 1982 film Monkey Grip and later played Detective Superintendent Bernice Waverley in the crime drama City Homicide between 2007 and 2011. In 2024, she released her autobiography, Dropping The Mask, which was praised for its compassion and energy.
The stage has remained a vital part of her career. In 2015 and 2016, she toured a one-woman play titled Mother, written by Daniel Keene. This performance earned her a Helpmann Award nomination and a 2018 Matilda Award for her leading role. Her collaborative history with Keene continues with the 2025 premiere of The Lark.
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