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 Katherine 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 Year Work Award Category Result Ref.1987 The Quiet Earth GOFTA Film and Television Awards Best Female Performance in a Leading Role – Film Bridge to Nowhere

Filmography

Film Year Title Role Notes Ref. 1980 Don't Rubbish It Daughter Short film 1984 Other Halves Paula 1985 The Quiet Earth Joanne 1986 Bridge to Nowhere Lise 1990The Returning Jessica 1992 The Palm Reader Shirley Short film 2001 Rain Heather Her Majesty Victoria Wakefield 2005 Nothing Special Heather Short film

Television Year Title Role Note Ref. 1980–1984 Mortimer's Patch Various characters 1981–1991 Wildtrack Presenter 1983 The Garden Party Laura 1987–1990 Gloss Leah 1989–1990 Laugh INZ Various characters 1992 Homeward Bound Charlie 2000–2001 The Life & Times of Te Tutu Mrs Vole

References

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