TV legend Anne Wills celebrated her 80th birthday on the weekend surrounded by friends and famous faces in Adelaide.
Joining her were former PM Julia Gillard fresh from a visit to Washington, columnist Peter Goers, performer Matt ‘Accordian Hans’ Gilbertson, Peter Ford and Mark ‘Bob Downe’ Trevorrow.
Video greetings were sent from Alan Cumming, Kathy Lette, Wendy Harmer, Simon Burke and US soap star Susan Seaforth Hayes.
Matt Gilbertson and Julia Gillard hosted a ‘Celebrity Roast’ luncheon while Peter Ford hosted a cocktail part in her honour.
Peter Ford said, “Willsy is a fascinating case study in fame. For most people tv stardom is transient and you’re quickly forgotten once you’re off it. But in Adelaide Willsy remains iconic, beloved and instantly recognised.”
Susan Seaforth Hayes said, “One of the luckiest days of my life was the days I encountered her in the middle
of an airport in Adelaide and began to fall in love. And we, and my husband, Bill Hayes, have continued to love Willsy through all of her marriages, her ups and downs, her great successes, and her warm and loving, giving heart.”
‘Willsy’ still holds the record for the most number of Logies won by anyone in its history at 12 as well as a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to broadcasting.
Spotted by Nine executives during the 1964 Telethon Quest, her TV credits include In Melbourne Tonight, Beauty and the Beast, The Bert Newton Show, Good Morning Australia, Adelaide Tonight, The Penthouse Club, AM Adelaide, Movie Scene, Christmas Telethon, Pot Luck and Close Up with Willsy.
Happy birthday Willsy!
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