Topp Twin and Comedy Icon Jools Topp Dies at Age 68
The country-singing comedian and activist, who was first diagnosed in 2006, helped make the Topp Twins a national institution.
- Dame Jools Topp, one of New Zealand's most loved entertainers, died at age 68 on Saturday at her home with twin sister Lynda, brother Bruce, close friends and pets by her side; the family announced her death on Monday via social media.
- Jools was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, undergoing chemotherapy and treatments that took a toll on her body, then facing recurrence in 2021 when she chose to focus on living well.
- Over four decades, the Topp Twins shaped Aotearoa New Zealand's cultural landscape, earning Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit honours in 2018 for services to entertainment—recognition Jools said acknowledged all they had fought for.
- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Dame Jools lived a life of purpose and leaves a legacy of humour, warmth and joy, while former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern wrote on Instagram, "You can't really describe an icon, but you can thank them."
- Beyond entertainment, Jools fought for feminism, gay law reform, Maori land rights and nuclear disarmament, protesting the 1981 Springbok Rugby Tour and championing homosexual law reform as an out lesbian since the 1970s—a public stance few in the limelight dared take then.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Dame Jools Topp, half of legendary lesbian comedy duo The Topp Twins, dies aged 68
Dame Jools Topp, half of New Zealand’s legendary lesbian comedy duo The Topp Twins, died on 23 May aged 68. The icon and comedian was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and underwent chemotherapy and other treatments. Following a stint in remission, the cancer returned in 2021 and Dame Topp had been receiving treatment ever since. Dame Topp passed away in her home surrounded by her twin sister Lynda, brother Bruce, close friends and pets. He…
Outpouring of condolences flows for Dame Jools Topp
Jools Topp, left, and Lynda Topp, after their investitures as Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to entertainment, by the then Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy in October 2018. Photos supplied Dame Jools Topp, one of New Zealand’s favourite entertainers over the past four decades, has died. She was 68. On the Topp Twins’ social media this morning Monday, it has been announced that Dame Jools, one half of the beloved…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources lean Left, 36% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
