Nancye Hayes Honoured with Equity Lifetime Achievement Award

Nancye Hayes AM has just been named the recipient of the 2025 Equity Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Media Super, and it’s hard to imagine a more deserving honouree. Her extraordinary career has touched nearly every corner of Australian theatre, establishing her as a beacon of talent, warmth, and dedication for over six decades.

Her first foray onto the professional stage came in 1961 as a dancer in JC Williamson’s MY FAIR LADY. A mere six years later, she triumphed as Charity in the iconic musical SWEET CHARITY—marking one of the earliest times an Australian performer would claim the leading role in a major musical production. From there, her successes flourished with unforgettable performances in shows like A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, PIPPIN, IRENE, ANNIE, CHICAGO, SWEENEY TODD, GUYS & DOLLS, 42ND STREET, and NINE. Audiences and critics alike praised her dynamic range and unwavering commitment to excellence. Today, she continues to captivate crowds at the Sydney Theatre Company, delighting fans both old and new.

Yet Nancye’s influence goes well beyond her onstage brilliance. As a mentor, director, and passionate advocate for the arts, she has guided the next generation of performers and championed the rich tapestry of Australian stories. She has also proudly stood by her union since 1961, exemplifying loyalty to both her craft and community.

For MEAA Equity president Jason Klarwein, Nancye is “the embodiment of generosity, commitment to the craft, and steadfast support for the performing arts community,” making her ideal for this year’s honour. Nominated by fellow Australian performers and selected by the National Performers’ Committee, she truly reflects the spirit of the award.

As Jason explains:

We felt strongly that Nancye personifies everything this award represents. Her grace, integrity, kindness, and commitment to our community are legendary. From pioneering performances at a time when stage roles for Australians were few and far between to her lasting impact, Nancye’s legacy is nothing short of extraordinary.

For her part, Nancye remains grateful for the recognition: “In a career that has brought me both opportunity and fulfilment, it is a great privilege to have my journey celebrated by my fellow actors.

Since 2009, the Equity Lifetime Achievement Award has recognised some of the nation’s finest performers—those whose accomplishments and dedication have inspired their peers and elevated Australian theatre. With past recipients including Bruce Spence, Peter Carroll, and Jill Perryman, Nancye now joins an illustrious roster of artists who have each helped shape the country’s cultural landscape.

The 2025 Equity Lifetime Achievement Award, proudly supported by Media Super, will be presented to Nancye at a special ceremony held at the Sydney Theatre Company in June—a fitting tribute to a woman who has given so much joy to audiences and colleagues alike.