Speaker Details

One of Australia’s leading and best loved actresses, Sigrid Thornton has starred in many of the films now regarded as classics of the Australian cinema. From George Miller’s box office hit, The Man From Snowy River, and its sequel to The Lighthorseman and Slate Wyn And Me, it didn’t take Sigrid long to build an international profile and universal appeal.

Her roles in television shows and mini-series proved to be just as popular as her films. The mini-series, All The Rivers Run, set Australian ratings history as well as receiving huge ratings in both the US and Europe. One of the first Australian actors to have a network series lead on US television, Sigrid cemented her popularity as Amelia Lawson in the popular western series Paradise. For this role, she was awarded the Cowboy Hall of Fame Award for Best TV contribution to Western Heritage to join such esteemed company as Clint Eastwood and John Houston.

Upon returning to Australia, Sigrid continued to star in both movies, including The Feds and Whipping Boy, and in TV shows (including an AFI Best Actress Nomination for her appearance in GP). She also added writing and presenting to her repertoire, beginning with Cinematheque film review segment on Foxtel’s Showtime.

It was her role in the Australian television series Seachange however that once again thrust her back into the forefront of public interest. Beginning in 1998 and an immediate ratings hit, it went on to become the Number 1 show on Australian TV. For her role as Laura Gibson, Sigrid won the Peoples Choice Awards’ Favourite Actress and Favourite TV Star awards while Seachange took the Favourite Television Drama award. She was also awarded the TV Week Logie for Most Outstanding Actress in a Series.

Sigrid's recent achievements include working in both television and more serious acting roles, such as hosting the Nine Network’s What’s Good For You. She has also become increasingly well-known for her stage roles, most notably the early 2000s production of The Blue Room, co-starring with Marcus Graham.

However, while often overshadowed by her on camera accomplishments, Sigrid has worked extensively behind the cameras on behalf of the film and television industry, the Arts and various charities. Her ongoing charitable work with World Vision, the Royal Children’s Hospital, Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and the Reach foundation among others has been well documented and very well received. She has also been one of the most important lobbyists for the Australian film and television industry, working to help sustain and develop the industry. A result of her staunch advocacy for the film and television in Australia, she has served on the board of the Australian Film Institute, Film Victoria, the Commercial Television Production Fund and as the patron for Women in Film and Television.

An extremely polished Master of Ceremonies and presenter, Sigrid has done extensive corporate work for clients such as the Australian Stock Exchange, The National Gallery, World Vision, Nokia, SAAB, the Fashion Awards and the AFI Awards. She was also chosen by the Australian Senate to MC the International Parliamentary Union Conference in Canberra.

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