Robina Beard

Robina Beard, born in Twickenham, England, in 1938, is an English-Australian actress whose enduring fame rests on a single, memorable role: 'Madge' the manicurist in the iconic Australian and New Zealand Palmolive dishwashing liquid commercials, a fixture on screens from 1968.

Her artistic journey began early, with dance lessons from age six. In 1949, her family relocated to Sydney, where she continued honing her craft. Beard’s professional debut came in 1955, dancing in the J. C. Williamson's production of *Can-Can*. She went on to grace the stage in a variety of productions, including *Alice in Wonderland* (1959) and *The Boy Friend* (1968).

Beard transitioned to television in 1965, initially as a weather presenter. She then spent three years on *In Melbourne Tonight* as a singer, dancer, and choreographer. This was followed by roles in a range of Australian series, including *Barley Charlie*, *No. 96*, *G.P.*, *Home and Away*, and *All Saints*, showcasing her versatility across decades of television. From stage to screen, Robina Beard built a career marked by both memorable character work and a pioneering presence in Australian entertainment.