Marie-Ann Malone, one of the Port’s most prominent musical theatre members and sister to famous Australian actor Bill Hunter, has died aged 80.
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Ms Malone, born in Melbourne and the oldest of three siblings including Priscilla, Muriel’s Wedding and Newsfront star Bill Hunter, was a registered nurse who according to close friend and confidante Anna Bay’s Amanda Sutherland, had a lifelong love of the theatre, ballet, music, the arts and travel.
“Marie-Ann, known to her friends as ‘Mee-Ann’, was a gifted artist and prolific traveller, often painting scenes from her travels and creating beautiful leadlight pieces. She was also a wonderful cook and gardener,” Ms Sutherland said.
“Twenty-five years ago she moved to Soldiers Point and became involved in the Tomaree Music Makers, which later became the Tomaree Musical Theatre before the final curtain fell on this wonderful organisation in recent years.
“Marie-Ann never appeared on stage but worked behind the scenes participating as a co-director, organising costume sets, providing elocution lessons and working front of house. She was made a life member of the company in 2009.”
Ms Malone worked in Sydney, Melbourne and Europe and learned to speak several languages.
“She was a bit of a perfectionist and was always very well groomed. I remember going to her house one day for lunch and being impressed with the beautifully set table, complete with serviettes, silver cutlery and fine wine glasses,” Ms Sutherland said.
“When I explained how delicious the soup was and asked for the recipe, she looked at me and smiled: ‘It’s out of a can you know’.”
Ms Malone’s health deteriorated over some time.
She turned 80 on December 26, 2018, and died peacefully in the Mater Hospital on January 7.
“Ironically, Bill Hunter’s movie Muriel’s Wedding was playing on TV the moment she died,” Ms Sutherland said.
She is survived by another brother John. She had no children.
Ms Sutherland said that Ms Malone was privately cremated in Melbourne but an informal afternoon get together will be held on Saturday, February 2, at Salamander Tavern.
“All her friends are invited to attend and farewell Mee-Ann,” Ms Sutherland said.