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Liddy Holloway dies, aged 57

Dec 29, 2004 6:41 PM

One of New Zealand's best known actresses has lost her battle with cancer.

Liddy Holloway appeared on NZ stages and screens for more than three decades, but was best known for her role as Alex McKenna on Shortland Street.

Originally a journalist, she decided to "have a go" at acting. She loved it so much that her passion was infectious for one of her three children.

Her son, actor Joel Tobeck, says his mother loved acting for the craft rather than the fame, which she experienced most keenly during her time on Shortland Street.

She was popular among acting circles, and made many lifelong friends who are now mourning her death.

Holloway was not only an actress but also an accomplished script writer. Her onscreen husband Paul Gittins says he used to accuse her of giving herself the best lines while she was both acting in and writing for Shortland Street.

He credits her with being the first to push for the book "Whale Rider" to be made into a film.

Holloway was 57.