Kellie Dickerson has died at just 53 years old.
The Australian musical theater director lost her battle with multiple system atrophy (MSA), a rare neurodegenerative disease.
Her agent Working Management confirmed the sad news to fans on Instagram on Tuesday.
“It was both a pleasure and an honor to be your friend and agent. “You have given so much to so many,” the post began.
“A true industry icon.” “Her energy, kindness and talent were limitless,” they continued.
Kellie Dickerson (pictured) has died aged 53. The popular Australian musical theater director has lost her battle with multiple system atrophy (MSA) – a rare neurodegenerative disease
“You never gave up the fight, the humor, the grace or the wordle!”
Musical actor Rhonda Burchmore was among those who shared a tribute on Instagram.
“Rest in peace dear Kellie and fly high beautiful lady – MSA is the cruelest neurological disease – I know it for sure because it is the same disease that took my sister's life,” she wrote.
“Now you can be reunited with dear Rob.” Much love to your wonderful parents, Toni and John, who looked after you so wonderfully. I am so very sad.'
She was diagnosed with MSA in 2020 after first noticing symptoms such as low blood pressure and slurred speech in 2018. In the picture with musical actress Lucy Durack
Dickerson lost her partner Rob Guest to a stroke in 2008 when she was just 57 years old.
She was diagnosed with MSA in 2020 after first noticing symptoms such as low blood pressure and slurred speech in 2018.
It was a two-year battle to get a diagnosis, and the director requested an MRI before receiving the terrible news.
“Firstly, I noticed that my balance was poor and I was stumbling, and secondly, my speech was a little slurred, as if I was drunk, but of course that wasn't the case.” “I wouldn't drink at work,” she said to Limelight.
Musical actress Rhonda Burchmore was among those who shared a tribute on Instagram. “I am so very sad,” she wrote
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare, degenerative neurological disease that affects the body's involuntary functions, including blood pressure and motor control.
It shares many symptoms with Parkinson's disease, has no cure, and has an average life expectancy of 7-10 years from the first appearance of symptoms.
Dickerson retired from theater in 2020 and, as her illness progressed, moved to Dubbo, New South Wales, where she was cared for by her parents.
She was an award-winning theater director best known for directing the musicals Wicked, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and City of Angels.
Dickerson was an award-winning theater director best known for directing the musicals Wicked, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and City of Angels