Hilary Linstead

Hilary Linstead (18 October 1938 – 5 August 2022) was a British and Australian actor and producer. She was also a talent agent and casting director. She nurtured and promoted many of Australia's leading directors John Bell, and Baz Luhrmann. Over the course of her career, Linstead represented performers and comedians. Other talent she represented included writers, designers, composers, choreographers, and cinematographers.

Early life and education Linstead, the only daughter of Aileen Edith Ellis Rowland Abbott and Reginald Patrick Linstead

Linstead studied performing arts at Francis Holland School in London and Cheltenham Ladies' College. She married Leon Stemler in 1962 and in 1963, their only child was born. She later was employed by International Casting Services as a casting director. Heatwave was the first feature film she produced. Phil Noyce was its director. The children's film Molly starring Claudia Karvan followed.

M&L Casting Consultants closed in 1985, and Linstead partnered with Viccy Harper to form Hilary Linstead & Associates. Jean Kittson and Wendy Harmer, were among the performers they represented. Andrew Bovell and Louis Nowra were among their writers.

In 2018, Linstead's health began to decline and she was diagnosed with leukemia. She died in her home on 5 August 2022.

Filmography

As producer

Fourteen's Good, Eighteen's Better (1981) Night of Shadows (1982; short) Heatwave (1982) Molly (1983) The Castanet Club (1991) Bootmen (2000)

As casting director

The Irishman (1978) Blue Fin (1978) My Brilliant Career (1979) The Everlasting Secret Family (1988) Princess Kate (1988)