UPDATED: 10.53am Diane Cilento passed away after a long battle with illness at Cairns Base Hospital at 10pm on Thursday night, just two days after her 78th birthday.

Ms Cilento was best known for her stellar acting career in the 1950s and 60s, earning her Tony and Academy Award nominations, and her marriage to actor Sean Connery.

Ms Cilento founded Karnak Playhouse in Whyanbeel and was a pioneer in the performance arts in the region, and had established a strong following from locals and visitors.

Division 10 Councillor, Julia Leu, said she had lunch with Ms Cilento just last week, and despite having lost weight during her battle, was in excellent spirits.

"We had this wonderful conversation and she had big ideas and future plans for Karnak.

"She had an amazing vision for the area and saw the potential for art and culture in our environment. She was very inspiring for many people in the area."

"One can be a dreamer and an idiot, and I don't think that I care about whether people think I'm that " - Diane Cilento on building the Karnak.

Davvyd Brown, a close friend of Ms Cilento, expressed his sorrow at the loss of the much loved public figure.

"It's a sad day as we've lost a national treasure, one of the brightest assets equal to the surrounding landscapes. She was an icon of the region.

"My wife and I are devastated as we've lost a dear friend," he said.

Mr Brown suggested renaming a Port Douglas landmark in her name which has drawn support from Cr Leu.

"There are all sorts of ways the Council and the community can recognise Diane's contribution," she said.

Arrangements are currently being made to fly Ms Cilento's body to Sydney where she will be laid to rest in a Muslim ceremony.

A celebration of Ms Cilento's life will be organised in our region. More details of this will be available as they come to hand.

Feel free to leave your messages of support below.


Previously reported
Diane Cilento dies
Friday, 7 October, 8.54am

Diane Cilento, actress and founder of Karnak Playhouse, has passed away after a long battle with illness at Cairns Base Hospital last night. She was 78. Ms Cilento was much loved by locals and there are already calls for a Port Douglas landmark to be renamed in her honour.

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