Moncrieff, Gladys (1892–1976)

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Moncrieff, Gladys (1892–1976)

Australian actress and operatic singer. Born Gladys Lillian Moncrieff, April 13, 1892, in Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia; died Feb 8, 1976, in Gold Coast, Queensland; dau. of Amy Lambell (singer) and Reginal Moncrieff (pianist); m. Thomas Henry Moore; lived with Elsie Wilson.

Made stage debut in Sydney as Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore (1915) and subsequently played lead roles in all the Gilbert and Sullivan operas; came to prominence as Teresa in The Maid of the Mountain, followed by Maytime, The Merry Widow, The Chocolate Soldier, The Belle of New York, Ma Mie Rosette and the title role in Rio Rita; made London debut in title role of Riki-Tiki (1926); hugely popular in Australia (known as "Our Glad"), also sang on radio on "Gladys Moncrieff Show"; took hiatus from performing after being seriously injured in an auto accident (1938–42).