UPDATED: 10.53am Diane Cilento passed away after a long battle with illness at Cairns Base Hospital at 10pm on Thursday night, just two days after her 78th birthday.
Ms Cilento was best known for her stellar acting career in the 1950s and 60s, earning her Tony and Academy Award nominations, and her marriage to actor Sean Connery.
Ms Cilento founded Karnak Playhouse in Whyanbeel and was a pioneer in the performance arts in the region, and had established a strong following from locals and visitors.
Division 10 Councillor, Julia Leu, said she had lunch with Ms Cilento just last week, and despite having lost weight during her battle, was in excellent spirits.
"We had this wonderful conversation and she had big ideas and future plans for Karnak.
"She had an amazing vision for the area and saw the potential for art and culture in our environment. She was very inspiring for many people in the area."
"One can be a dreamer and an idiot, and I don't think that I care about whether people think I'm that " - Diane Cilento on building the Karnak.
Davvyd Brown, a close friend of Ms Cilento, expressed his sorrow at the loss of the much loved public figure.
"It's a sad day as we've lost a national treasure, one of the brightest assets equal to the surrounding landscapes. She was an icon of the region.
"My wife and I are devastated as we've lost a dear friend," he said.
Mr Brown suggested renaming a Port Douglas landmark in her name which has drawn support from Cr Leu.
"There are all sorts of ways the Council and the community can recognise Diane's contribution," she said.
Arrangements are currently being made to fly Ms Cilento's body to Sydney where she will be laid to rest in a Muslim ceremony.
A celebration of Ms Cilento's life will be organised in our region. More details of this will be available as they come to hand.
Feel free to leave your messages of support below.
Previously reported
Diane Cilento dies
Friday, 7 October, 8.54am
Diane Cilento, actress and founder of Karnak Playhouse, has passed away after a long battle with illness at Cairns Base Hospital last night. She was 78. Ms Cilento was much loved by locals and there are already calls for a Port Douglas landmark to be renamed in her honour.
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What fun we had at the Sheraton all those years ago when, complete with red wig and an autocratic manner, she 'became' Tiggy Puggenheim who owned the hotel and the exhibited artworks that she had commissioned from visiting Perth artist, Leon Pericles.
More recently she kindly 'opened' the Go Troppo Arts Festival in the iconic Sugar Wharf, thus supporting yet another Arts event. The most recent of her public appearances was a delightful speech that she gave two weeks ago as she opened Tania Heben's exhibition at Cairns Regional Gallery, all the while looking elegant and gorgeous.
Her generosity and professionalism will be sadly missed by the Arts community of Douglas/Mossman.
I miss you but have many memories to remember you by and they all make me smile........I allways come back to your hearty chuckle!!
Your comrade in charm Grant
Chris and Geoff
Lying back in This Presence,
no longer able to eat or drink,
I float - freely
like a corpse in the ocean" In shallah. Sue Rae
Jodie Nulty
It was too late for me to send you a message from Karl but he sends his love and thanks you for being a wonderful, wonderful friend...
continue your amazing journey....Judy and Zak
Thank you for all of your support and advice over the years. We promise to keep Port Douglas in lights. Our thoughts are with your family.
Regards Sam & Josh tourismportdouglas.com
Gilly & Beverly
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