A talented blonde beauty with a sly, seductive smile, Diane Cilento (pronounced CHILL-en-to) had a successful stage career (notably as Helen of Troy in 1955's "Tiger at the Gates" on Broadway) but appeared in few substantial films. Her most memorable film performances include the enticing Molly in "Tom Jones" (1963) which won her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination and the tart with a heart of gold in "Rattle of a Simple Man" (1964). Cilento turned to writing in the late 1960s, publishing her first novel, "The Manipulator", in 1967. After working in England as a stage director in the 70s, she moved back to her native Australia in the 80s, where she has appeared in an occasional film role, but has devoted most of her attention to the Karnak Theater Company, an open-air venue in Queensland.
- Born:
October 5, 1933 in Mooloolabah, Australia
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Job Titles:
Actor, Novelist, Director, Producer
Education
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American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York, New York
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Washington Irving High School, New York, New York
Milestones
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1947 Family moved to USA when father was appointed a member of the Australian delegation to the United Nations
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1949 Made theater debut at age 16 at the Barter Theatre in Virginia
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1952 Screen acting debut in "Wings of Danger/Dead on Course"
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1953 Joined Library Theatre, Manchester; played Juliet in "Romeo and Juliet"
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1953 London stage debut, "Arms and the Man"
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1954 First major screen role in "The Angel Who Pawned Her Harp"
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1955 Broadway debut, "Tiger at the Gates"; potrayed Helen of Troy
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1960 British TV debut, "Rain"
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1963 Earned Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her performance in "Tom Jones"
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1967 Published first novel, "The Manipulator"
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1977 Stage directing debut, "tuff" at the Theatre Upstairs, London
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1980 Returned to Australia (date approximate)
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Won acclaim for performances at Mercury Repertory Theatre, London