Tributes have flowed in for actress and Far North Queensland arts pioneer, Diane Cilento, who passed away in Cairns last Thursday, aged 78.

The silver screen siren was the driving force behind the Karnak Playhouse in the picturesque Whyanbeel Valley, the unique, outdoor rainforest venue that attracted a plethora of plays, operas and unique acts from around the world.

Diane was born in Mooloolaba on October 5, 1933, as the fifth of six children to Sir Raphael Cilento and Lady Phyllis Dorothy Cilento, both medical practitioners.

Four of her siblings followed their parent’s footsteps and became medical practitioners, and while Diane was an English teacher at one time, she and her sister, Margaret, both entered the arts.

WATCH A MINUTE WITH DIANE CILENTO FROM FEB 2010 (top left)

Diane entered the world of acting at a young age and, after living with her father in New York, won a scholarship to London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where she honed her craft and soon secured roles in British movies.

But it was her role as Helen of Troy in 'Tiger at the Gates' that earned her a Tony Award for Best Supporting or Feature Actress in 1956 and in 1963 was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as the seductive Molly in the movie, 'Tom Jones'.

Her career has also embraced theatre work, writing, translating, directing and instructing.

She had three marriages - to Italian Andrea Volpe in 1956-1960, to actor Sean Connery in 1962-1973 and then settled in Far North Queensland with her third husband, playwright Anthony Shaffer, who passed away in 2001.

She has two children, Giovanna Volpe and Jason Connery, and chose the religion of Sufism, an esoteric form of Islam.

In 2001, Diane won the prestigious Centenary Medal from the Australian Government for her distinguished contribution to the arts, and in May 2006, released her autobiography, My Nine Lives. 

SEE THE TRIBUTES TO DIANE POSTED ON THE NEWSPORT 

But it was her contribution to the local arts that Diane will most be remembered, as the co-founder and owner of the Karnak Playhouse and Gallery (with late husband Shaffer in the 1980s), and was often seen chatting with market-goers at Mossman on Saturday mornings, or showing her support at demonstrations and meetings concerning the welfare of the former Douglas Shire.

Right up until her passing, she possessed a spiritual aura, a classic beauty and elegance that made Diane Cilento a lady we will all remember with fondness and respect.

Premier Anna Bligh paid her respects on Friday, saying Ms Cilento had made a valuable contribution to the arts scene in the Far North and across the whole state.

“While she was originally known as a glamorous international film star, her work in later years in the Far North showed her commitment to the arts,” Premier Bligh said.

“I know that Ms Cilento will be sorely missed by many in the industry and I offer my sincere condolences to her family, friends and all those who enjoyed her important contribution to the arts here in Queensland.”

Movies

•    All Hallowe'en (1952)
•    Wings of Danger (1952)
•    Moulin Rouge (1952)
•    Meet Mr. Lucifer (1953)
•    The Angel Who Pawned Her Harp (1954)
•    Passing Stranger (1954)
•    Passage Home (1955)
•    The Woman for Joe (1955)
•    The Passionate Stranger (1957)
•    The Admirable Crichton (1957)
•    The Truth About Women (1957)
•    Jet Storm (1959)
•    The Full Treatment (1960)
•    The Naked Edge (1961)
•    I Thank a Fool (1962)
•    Tom Jones (1963)
•    The Third Secret (1964)
•    Rattle of a Simple Man (1964)
•    Once Upon a Tractor (1965)
•    The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965)
•    Hombre (1967)
•    Negatives (1968)
•    Z.P.G. (1972)
•    Hitler: The Last Ten Days (1973)
•    The Wicker Man (1973)
•    Duet for Four (1982)
•    The Boy Who Had Everything (1984) 

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