Benita Collings


Benita Collings, is an Australian theatre, television and film character actor and television presenter, who has also featured in documentaries and commercials in voice-overs. Collings, apart from her numerous character roles on soap opera and serials, is best known for her long running stint as a presenter for Play School on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from 1969 until 1999, alongside fellow presenter John Hamblin, she was one of the longest serving presenters after a 30-year tenure

Biography

Theatre, television and film

Collings started her career in 1955 at the Independent Theatre under Dame Doris Fitton and also trained in ballet and jazz, by 1960 she had joined the Ensemble Theatre under producer and director Hayes Gordon appearing in numerous plays including a production of Neil Simons, Last of the Red Hot Lovers, directed by Jon Ewing, Absurd Person Singular and Doctor in the House. In addition to her position as an Australian children's television presenter, Collings has been a screen performer, appearing in many of Australian television dramas, including Homicide, Division 4, Matlock Police The Restless Years, The Sullivans, The Young Doctors, Sons and Daughters, Rafferty's Rules, A Country Practice and others.
Collings has appeared in the feature film Knowing as the mother of Nicolas Cage's character.

Filmography

Television