Australian actress Noni Hazlehurst is in mourning following the death of her first husband, acclaimed film director Kevin James Dobson. Dobson passed away in Melbourne on Saturday at the age of 73, concluding a distinguished career that spanned over four decades in the entertainment industry.
Confirmation of Passing and Career Highlights
The news of Dobson's death was officially confirmed through a post on the Back To Crawford Productions social media page. The tribute detailed his professional journey, noting that he was born in Manchester, UK, and began his career as a trainee at Crawford's before advancing to become an assistant film editor.
Dobson's career took him internationally, with over thirty years spent living and working in Los Angeles, USA. Upon returning to Australia, he resided in Sydney until his health declined approximately three months ago, leading him to move to Melbourne, where he ultimately passed away in care in the suburb of Lilydale.
Early Life and Immigration
Kevin Dobson was born in England and relocated to Australia at the age of fourteen under the historic 'Ten Pound Poms' immigration scheme, which encouraged British citizens to move to Australia. This early move set the stage for his future contributions to Australian media and culture.
Marriage to Noni Hazlehurst and Professional Achievements
Dobson was married to Noni Hazlehurst from 1975 to 1978. The couple's wedding day in 1975 marked the beginning of a personal connection that has now been highlighted by his passing. Professionally, Dobson launched his career in the early 1970s, working on numerous acclaimed Australian television productions.
His notable Australian credits include:
- Matlock Police
- Homicide
- A Country Practice
- Cop Shop
Dobson later expanded his work to the United States, directing several episodes of the popular science fiction series Babylon 5 in the late 1990s. His final directorial project was the 2010 Australian film Savages Crossing, which starred Wolf Creek actor John Jarratt. Interestingly, Jarratt went on to marry Noni Hazlehurst in 1988, with the couple divorcing in 1999.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Dobson received significant acclaim for his directorial work. In 1980, he was honored with a Television Society of Australia Penguin Award for Best TV Play for his contributions to the series Young Ramsay, underscoring his impact on the industry.
Tributes from Fans and Colleagues
Heartbroken fans and former colleagues have taken to social media to express their condolences and share memories of Dobson. One individual wrote, 'I had many great times with Kevin. We worked and partied together. Sad to hear of his death although his spirit lives on.' Another added, 'Very sad to hear about this. I have some very happy memories working with Kevin.' These messages reflect the respect and affection held for Dobson within the entertainment community.
Context of Noni Hazlehurst's Personal Life
This loss comes amid recent reflections by Noni Hazlehurst on her personal life, particularly her divorce from John Jarratt after more than a decade of marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in 1987 and separated in 1999, co-hosted the popular Channel Seven lifestyle program Better Homes and Gardens during their relationship.
In her memoir, Dropping The Mask, Hazlehurst has opened up about the end of her marriage, stating she has been 'in shock ever since' the split. She described the relationship as starting with hope and optimism but noted that buried issues eventually surfaced. Hazlehurst revealed that she knew the marriage was over when Jarratt had 'grown close' to someone on the production crew of their show.
The passing of Kevin Dobson marks a poignant moment for Noni Hazlehurst, intertwining personal grief with the legacy of a filmmaker who left an indelible mark on both Australian and international television. His career, from early training in Australia to directing in Hollywood, exemplifies a life dedicated to the arts, remembered fondly by those who knew him and admired his work.
