Sigrid Thornton
Trailblazing Actress and Advocate for Australian Cinema
Sigrid Thornton is an iconic figure in Australian film, television, and theatre, spanning over four decades with an impressive repertoire across various genres. She first gained prominence In Australian cinemas, starring in classics such as George Miller's “The Man From Snowy River” and “The Man From Snowy River II”, alongside notable roles in “The Lighthorsemen” directed by Simon Wincer, “Slate Wyn And Me”, and “1915”. Her early success led her to become the first Australian access to land a lead role in a US network prime time drama series with “Paradise”, garnering accolades including a Western Heritage Cowboy Hall of Fame award.
In recent years Sigrid has continued to make significant contributions to Australian entertainment. She starred in the highly acclaimed mini-series “Peter Allen – Not the Boy Next Door”, winning the AACTA Best Supporting Actor award, and played pivotal roles in Netflix’s “Wentworth” and its precursor “Prisoner”. Her return to Australian television in Nine’s “Amazing Grace” and the reboot of “Seachange” further solidified her popularity, with the latter seeing Sigrid receive the Favourite Actress and Favourite TV star awards at The People’s Choice Awards, as well as the TV Week Logie for "Most outstanding actress in a series".
On stage, Sigrid’s performances have been equally celebrated, from accolades like the Mo Award for best performance by an actress in a play for her portrayal in David Hare’s “The Blue Room”, to critically acclaimed roles in productions like “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “A Little Night Music”. She continues to captivate audiences with her versatility, recently performing with Opera Australia in “Fiddler on the Roof” alongside Anthony Warlow.
Beyond her acting career, Sigrid is a passionate advocate for Australian storytelling in film and television. She has served on several industry boards including the Australian Academy of Television and Cinema Arts and Film Victoria, championing initiatives that promote local talent and productions. Recognised for her countless contributions, Sigrid was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2019.
Currently serving her second term on the board of the National Institute of Dramatic Art, Sigrid Thornton continues to shape Australia’s cultural landscape, earning accolades such as the Screen Legend Award at the Cinefest Oz Film Festival and the Chauvel Award at the Gold Coast Film Festival. Her legacy as a trailblazer in Australian entertainment remains unparalleled.