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Dame Jools Topp, one of New Zealand’s favourite entertainers over the past four decades, has died. She was 68.
On the Topp Twins’ social media this morning Monday, it has been announced that Dame Jools, one half of the beloved entertainment duo the Topp Twins, with her twin sister Lynda, has passed away.
“It is with deep sorrow and unimaginable grief, we announce the passing of Jools our beloved sister and daughter,” says the Topp Twins’ Facebook page.
“Today we have lost a true warrior woman. Jools was wise, courageous, generous, inspiring and funny. We will miss her forever. Love Lynda, Bruce and Jean.”
For more than 40 years, the Topp Twins have been an important part of the cultural fabric of Aotearoa New Zealand and have sung songs and told stories about what being a Kiwi is all about.
Dame Jools and Dame Lynda, who were born and grew up in Huntly, Waikato, were appointed Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to entertainment in the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 2018.
They had their 68th birthday on May 14.
Both Dame Jools and Dame Lynda have fought lengthy battles with breast cancer and been active campaigners and fundraisers for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation over the past decade.
They started coming to people’s attention in the early 1980s as street and pub entertainers known for their clever, humorous and thought-provoking songs about New Zealand life which highlighted their family harmonies and storytelling abilities.
They were also strong voices in the protest movements of the early to mid-1980s when anti-apartheid, equal rights, and no nuclear (No Nukes) subject matter were very much on the conscience of New Zealanders.
The Topp Twins went on to become very well-known and popular entertainers, which included successful music recordings and productions in television and film, bringing to the screen beloved comic characters such as Camp Mother (Lynda) and Camp Leader (Jools), and Ken and Ken.
For their high-quality work, they’ve received scores of entertainment industry awards and accolades down the years.
The outpouring of condolences and sympathies for Dame Jools’ passing has been swift from fans and the New Zealand entertainment and media community.
“Oh no! Lynda, you and Jools brought so much laughter and great songs to us all. I hope the rain falls softly on your side of the road. Love and condolences,” wrote Harry Lyon, of legendary Kiwi band Hello Sailor whose career has run alongside the years of the Topp Twins.
TVNZ presenter and journalist, Hillary Barry, acknowledged: “Sending my love to you Lynda and to all of your whanau and friends. What a heartbreaking loss xxx.”
Former record company executive, media producer and commentator Paul Ellis wrote: “You changed the world, Jools. Breaking down barriers with love and laughter. The planet – or Mother Earth, as you called it – is a better place because of you. Fly free now.”
Well-known journalist Miriama Kamo has posted: “I’m heartbroken about Jools’ passing. She and her beautiful twinnie Lynda have been the soundtrack of my life, of the lives of so many NZers. Not just entertainers but allies, fighters, stalwarts for what’s right, what matters. Today our hearts break, even as we sing Jools’ song.”
This writer has very fond memories of seeing the Topp Twins attracting large crowds in Queen Street in the 1980s as street-corner buskers, seeing them perform at now former venues such as The Gluepot in Ponsonby, and meeting them and reporting on Dame Lynda’s potential run for the Auckland mayoralty in the late 1990s.
