Colleen Hewett, Australian singer and actress

Colleen Hewett, born on April 16, 1950, stands as a quintessential Australian entertainer, renowned for her versatile talents as a theatre and television actress, alongside a successful career as a popular singer and recording artist. Her enduring presence in the entertainment industry has cemented her status as a significant figure in Australian popular culture across several decades.

A Distinguished Musical Career

Hewett's musical journey saw her achieve considerable chart success, establishing her as a prominent voice in Australian pop music. Her discography boasts several singles that made a significant impact on the Kent Music Report, Australia's primary record chart for many years. Among her notable hits are "Super Star" and "Day by Day", both released in 1971, which immediately showcased her vocal prowess. She followed this with "Carry That Weight" in 1972, and later, "Dreaming My Dreams with You" in 1980, and "Gigolo" in 1981, demonstrating her adaptability and enduring appeal across musical trends.

Undoubtedly, her most iconic musical achievement was her powerful rendition of "Day by Day". This track not only resonated deeply with audiences but also soared to the coveted No. 1 position on the Go-Set National Top 40 Singles Chart, a highly respected national chart in Australia during its run. The immense popularity of "Day by Day" was further solidified when it was officially certified as a gold record, a testament to its significant sales and widespread cultural impact within Australia.

Her musical prominence was formally recognized at the prestigious TV Week King of Pop Awards. These awards, decided by public vote, celebrated the most popular artists in Australian music and were a significant barometer of an artist's success and public affection. Colleen Hewett was honored with the title of Queen of Pop not just once, but in consecutive years, taking home the coveted award in both 1972 and 1973, a remarkable achievement that underscored her widespread popularity during that era.

Versatility on Screen and Stage

Beyond her musical accomplishments, Colleen Hewett has maintained a robust and celebrated acting career. She has been a consistent presence, a true "staple," in numerous theatre roles throughout her career, showcasing her dramatic range and formidable stage presence to live audiences. Her contributions to the Australian stage have been extensive and highly regarded.

However, for many international viewers, Hewett is perhaps most widely recognized for her memorable, albeit brief, tenure as the guest character Sheila Brady in the groundbreaking Australian television drama, Prisoner. Known globally as Prisoner: Cell Block H, this iconic series garnered immense popularity worldwide and became a cultural phenomenon. Hewett's compelling portrayal of Sheila Brady, even in a guest capacity, left a lasting impression on the show's dedicated fanbase and contributed to the series' complex and compelling narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colleen Hewett

What are Colleen Hewett's primary contributions to entertainment?
Colleen Hewett is widely recognized for her dual career as a successful singer and recording artist, and as a distinguished actress in both theatre and television. She has left a significant mark in both fields of Australian entertainment.
Which of Colleen Hewett's songs was her biggest hit?
Her most significant musical hit was her rendition of "Day by Day," which reached No. 1 on the Go-Set National Top 40 Singles Chart in 1971 and achieved gold record status.
What major awards did Colleen Hewett receive during her music career?
Colleen Hewett was honored as Queen of Pop at the TV Week King of Pop Awards for two consecutive years, in both 1972 and 1973, reflecting her immense popularity with the Australian public.
What was Colleen Hewett's notable role in a famous TV series?
She is well-known for her role as the guest character Sheila Brady in the internationally acclaimed Australian television drama, Prisoner, which was known overseas as Prisoner: Cell Block H.