One of South Africa’s most famous and respected journalists, Gwen Gill, passed away in Johannesburg on 24 August aged 75.
Gwen was connected to the film industry through her daughter Megan, an award-winning editor whom many of you know and have worked with.
Anyone who ever befriended Megan (as I did 24 years ago) or her brother Andy, automatically became a friend of Gwen’s due to her warmth, charm, welcoming personality and scintillating conversation.
Professionally, Gwen’s intelligence, wit, talent and stylish writing were legend. She joined The Sunday Times in the 1970s and worked her way up to become the top consumer columnist in the country. She later became the newspaper’s social columnist. No self-respecting social function could be called a function unless Gwen attended – she had that much respect and clout.
Over two years ago Gwen’s life took a tragic turn when she succumbed to serious illness which led to infirmity. Yet, however much her poor body was weakened by ill health, her mind stayed razor sharp throughout. Gwen’s spirit was always present.
She took an enormous amount of pleasure and pride in her children’s achievements – Megan edited the Oscar-winning Tsotsi, the Hollywood productions X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Rendition, and has won numerous SAFTAS. Andy became the youngest ever editor of The Business Times and is now a top executive at Avusa Media.
Gwen adored her gorgeous grandchildren – Gabriel, Ruby, Martin and Charlie.
Goodbye dear Gwen. At least you suffer no more.
JOANNA STERKOWICZ
