Hilary Linstead has dead at the age of 83 after contracting a form of leukaemia.
The talent agent, film producer and casting director is said to have passed away peacefully at her home in Australia on August 5. She is said to have been experiencing poor health since 2018, according to Deadline.
She was recognised as a "force of nature" by family and friends and is best known for promoting the likes of Baz Luhrmann, who directed the recent Elvis movie. She also played a large role in helping to launch the career of Power of the Dog's Jane Campion, and Gillian Armstrong of Little Women.
Hilary was originally from London but emigrated to Australia in a bid to become a professional actor. When she soon realised her dream wasn't going to be a reality, she discovered a passion for casting and worked at International Casting Services as a representative for a number of actors.
She went on to lead the casting for huge stage productions such as Rocky Horror Show and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Following her death, tributes our in from famous faces and fans alike. Taking to Twitter, pal Wendy Harmer wrote: "Sad news, the legendary Hilary Linstead died last night. She'd been unwell for some time and passed peacefully at home with family.
"My agent, manager and most treasured friend for some 40 years. So many in the theatre, film and comedy scene owe her so much. xxxx Vale."
Author Many Sayer also took to the platform to pay her respects, writing: "We will miss Hilary's no bull***t, straight talking, her curiosity, her intelligence, and enduring warmth. I absolutely adored her."
And write Louis Nowra penned: "Hilary's cheerfulness, enthusiasm and excitement was infectious. If she believed in your talent then she was ferocious on your behalf. But more than that, she was a visionary who believed that too many Australians didn't realize just how important the arts were and she viewed her job as making sure they knew."
Hilary is survived by son Duncan, daughter-in-law Juliette and their three children, Scarlett, Paris and Django.
