Davina Whitehouse, one of the doyens of the New Zealand acting community, has died at the age of 90.
The British-born actress died at the Wesley Care Centre in Auckland early yesterday after a series of strokes.
Whitehouse was a star of London theatre and film. As a child she met Charlie Chaplin and performed with many of acting's greats, including John Gielgud.
In August 1952, Whitehouse moved to New Zealand with husband Archie, a businessman, and their two sons, Quentin and Steve.
She continued her acting career, appearing in a number of plays and films, including Sleeping Dogs with Sam Neill and Peter Jackson's Braindead.
Whitehouse, who worked as a radio producer, appeared in Close to Home, playing Lady Anthea Chilwell, and in the soap opera Gloss in the 1980s. She also starred in the Australian series Prisoner.
Whitehouse served on the Film Commission for many years and was made an OBE in 1985. In 1987 she was the first person to be profiled in the television series This is Your Life.
Among her acting honours were the Feltex Award for her work in TVNZ's The Awful Silence and a Sammy Award, presented by Australia's film and television body for her role in The Night Nurse.
Quentin Whitehouse yesterday described his mother as a "wonderful, golden person" who had led a wonderful life.
"I have a 1920s video of her acting away as a teenager. She's never been anything else. One moment she could be a family person, the next she could walk on stage and do an absolute straight part."
Whitehouse lived in Pukerua Bay, Wellington, for more than 30 years - "all the residents there will be sitting around their Christmas dinner saying a toast to her," her son said - but moved to Auckland this year.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from New Zealand
Waitangi Tribunal turns, 50 but there’s no cause to celebrate - John Tamihere
The Waitangi Tribunal turns 50 - happy birthday to you.