Gwen Plumb was born in the inner-west Sydney suburb of Stanmore and spent her childhood in the eastern beach suburb of Coogee, where she developed a passion for acting that would eventually become a defining aspect of her life.
Before taking the stage, Plumb worked in the tailoring department at David Jones, where she received a chance invitation to join a local drama club's play. Despite having no prior acting experience, she accepted the offer and embarked on a journey that would ultimately lead to an illustrious career in the performing arts.
One of Plumb's most notable roles was as Ada Simmonds, a motherly gossip who operated the hospital kiosk in the Australian television series The Young Doctors. Her performance in this role cemented her status as a beloved figure in Australian television.
In addition to her work on television, Plumb also made appearances in film and radio. She worked at Sydney's AM radio station 2GB, where she hosted her own interview program, and partnered with Gordon Chater on a popular mid-morning radio variety show. The duo became known to Sydneysiders by their nicknames, Pussy and Charlie.
As a stage performer, Plumb starred in the Australian production of Nell Dunn's play Steaming, and later returned to the stage just two months after a suspected bowel cancer operation to rehearse for a production of 'Arsenic and Old Lace'. Her remarkable resilience and dedication to her craft earned her widespread recognition and admiration.
Throughout her career, Plumb received numerous honors and accolades, including the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 1970s and the Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) on the Queen's Birthday Honours List at the age of 81.
Plumb's autobiography, "Plumb Crazy", was published in 1994, offering a candid and intimate look at her life and career. Despite her remarkable achievements, Plumb's later years were marked by a decline in health following her bowel cancer operation. She passed away in her home at Kirribilli on June 5, 2002, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy as one of Australia's most beloved and enduring performers.
