Alison Routledge

Born to an English army officer, Routledge moved to New Zealand as a teenager. She received a Bachelor of Arts majoring in German from Victoria University in Wellington where she first began acting. Her first role was the lead in a stage production of Pirandello’s Six Characters in Search of an Author.^[3]

After winning a place at Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School on a dare, she graduated in 1982 with a Diploma in Acting.^[1][4]

After graduating from drama school, Routledge landed the lead role of Laura in 1983 television film The Garden Party,^[1][5] based on Catherine Mansfield’s short story.^[3] This led to further television work, a stint in Theatre Corporate’s 'Theatre In Education' program, and a minor role in 1984 feature film Other Halves.^[3]

Routledge came to fame as Joanne in 1985 cult sci-fi film The Quiet Earth, alongside Bruno Lawrence,^[2][6] for which she was nominated for a Best Actress award.^[3] The following year, she appeared opposite Lawrence once more in thriller Bridge to Nowhere,^[7] seeing her nominated for a Best Supporting Actress award.^[3]

Routledge also had roles in the films The Returning (1990) and Rain (2001). She played deluded mother Heather in 2005 short film Nothing Special.^[8][1]

Routledge worked as a presenter on 1980s children's nature series Wildtrack.^[1] She has also appeared in television commercials, radio dramas, and has performed as a country, western and blues singer.^[1][3]