Ann Pacey

Ann Pacey has sung on London's West End, on cruise ships, and on rubber plantations during the Vietnam War. But the veteran performer once called acting her one true love, because "there's more of a challenge there". In 1989 she was nominated for a Listener Film and TV Award for her role as mother to a telegram singer in madcap Kiwi movie comedy Send a Gorilla. Her other screen appearances include music show Rock around the Clock, playing the milk bar owner in 50s era TV series Peppermint Twist, and cabinet minister Mabel Howard in Pioneer Women. Pacey has also arranged casting for many adverts.

I'd rather be acting because I feel there's more of a challenge there ... I always come back to singing but after 20 years as a professional singer I do what I do at the Blues Bar [in Wellington] just standing on my ear. Ann Pacey in The Evening Post, 3 August 1989, page 23