Alison Routledge

Alison Mary Stuart Routledge (born 29 April 1960) is a New Zealand actress, known for her performance as Joanne in the 1985 cult film The Quiet Earth.

Early life

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.

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

Career

After graduating from drama school, Routledge landed the lead role of Laura in 1983 television film The Garden Party, based on Catherine Mansfield’s short story. 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.

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

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

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

Awards

Filmography

Film

Television

External links

• at IMDb