Sophie Heathcote


Sophie Heathcote was an Australian actress, known for her role in the film Reckless Kelly and for her regular television serial roles, including A Country Practice, Water Rats, and Grass Roots.

Biography

Heathcote was born in Melbourne on 25 December 1972. She began her acting career with a regular role in the medical drama series A Country Practice as Stephanie "Steve" Brennan, appearing in 117 episodes from 1990 to 1991.

Professional training

Heathcote graduated from Australia's National Institute of Dramatic Art in late 1994.

Career

Heathcote's early credits included roles in Bordertown, GP, and Soldier Soldier, before taking the ongoing supporting role of Senior Constable Fiona Cassidy in Water Rats. This was followed by a role in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation series Raw FM, in which she played sexy lesbian dancer Sam. Heathcote said that role challenged her more than anything else she had done since leaving NIDA.
Heathcote won an AFI award in 2000 for her role in ABC's Grass Roots.

Personal life

Along with her husband she established an annual fundraising event that raises $500,000 a year for the neonatal unit at the Royal Children's Hospital. The staff there saved the life of their first child, Madeleine, who is believed to have suffered respiratory problems. The couple moved to the US in 2005, basing themselves in New York City.

Death

Heathcote died suddenly on 4 January 2006 in Connecticut, reportedly from an aneurysm. She had also been suffering from skin and pancreatic cancer.
Her funeral was held on 18 January 2006 at St Peter's Church in Toorak, Victoria, Australia. She was survived by her husband, their daughter, and their son. Heathcote is buried at Sorrento Cemetery on the Mornington Peninsula.

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
1990Home and AwaySoniaSeason 3, Episode 12
1990–91Stephanie 'Steve' BrennanMain role
1992BonySallyEpisode: "Bird in the Hand"
1993Reckless KellyKathy
1995Soldier SoldierTara JenkinsEpisode: "Ill Wind"
1995BordertownPeggyTV miniseries
1995–96G.P.Beth ButlerEpisodes: "Hide and Seek", "Critical Distances"
1996Sun on the StubbleLottie GuntherEpisode: "Adventures in Paradise"
1996–97Water RatsFiona CassidySupporting role
1997–98Raw FMSam KezerkoMain role
1998State CoronerHelen FarmerEpisodes: "Days of Reckoning: Parts 1 & 2"
1998Three Chords and a WardrobeRachelShort
1999Pig's BreakfastTV series
2000Grass RootsBiddy MarchantMain role
2001Abschied in den TodSandy O'BrianTV film