AustLit

Actress, variety entertainer, filmmaker, screenwriter.

Born in Melbourne, Elsa Sylvaney spent much of her youth in South Africa. There she was involved in the family’s theatrical activities (her father was known professionally as Sylvaney) and later appeared in various dramatic and variety companies with her brothers, Kyrle (McAllister) and Gilbert (Terrance). She returned to Australia in 1924 to work in vaudeville and musical comedy, and in 1927 married filmmaker Charles Chauvel. Soon after their marriage the couple travelled to America where they spent some time in Hollywood. After returning to Australia Elsa briefly returned to the stage, appearing with companies such as Kyrle McAllister's Novelties of 1929 (Bohemia Theatre, Brisbane). From 1930 onwards, however, she played an increasingly integral role in her husband's projects, and is considered a key Australian film pioneer. Following Charles Chauvel's death in 1959 she continued to promote Australian film and was actively involved with several charities.

[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]