The Australian cinema pioneer, revered by Paul Hogan, dies at the age of 89 after a short illness

Beloved Australian cinema pioneer Beryl Madsen died of pneumonia on Thursday at the age of 89.

The Queensland-based film lover was a pioneer in show business who helped break the glass ceiling for women in the film industry.

Madsen began her career in 1963 as a waitress at a local drive-in theater.

Over the next decade, Madsen's hard work was rewarded with several promotions, and in 1973 she became manager of one of the city's busiest cinema complexes.

Madsen was friends with numerous A-list celebrities and often invited them to come to her cinema for a public discussion before one of her film screenings.

According to the Courier Mail, the stars who spoke on her behalf included legendary Australian actor Jack Thompson, American star Jan Michael Vincent and Superman actress Susannah York.

One of the highlights of her distinguished career was a telegram from Paul Hogan, in which he personally thanked her for the record-breaking success of his 1986 film “Crocodile Dundee” at the Cinema Maroochydore.

Her achievements in this field have been publicly recognised and she was named Queensland Cinema Pioneer of the Year in 2019.

Madsen's colleague Christine Pitcher confirmed the heartbreaking news of her death in a statement.

“Beryl was my boss, my mentor in the film industry, but most of all my friend. She was just great fun.”

Her close friend Ron Livingston also paid tribute to her: “Beryl has more than held her own in the business world and I am happy to say that she is a good friend.”

Madsen began her career in 1963 as a waitress at a local drive-in movie theater. Over the next decade, Madsen's hard work was recognized with several promotions, and in 1973 she became manager at one of the city's busiest movie theater complexes.

“I will be eternally grateful to her. Beryl was a real pleasure to be with and she taught me so much about the wonderful world of cinema.”

Madsen married the love of her life, Andy Anderson, who sadly passed away in 2007.

She leaves behind her four children, Peter, Susan, Cameron and Martin, and 11 grandchildren.

One of the highlights of her long career was a personal telegram from Paul Hogan thanking her for the record-breaking success of his 1986 film Crocodile Dundee at the Cinema Maroochydore.