Carolyn Joy Chambers-Grundy (née Chambers; 1947[1] – 17 September 2023) was an Australian actress, author, poet and businesswoman. As the wife of multimillionaire television tycoon Reg Grundy, she wrote for, worked as a production assistant on and appeared in his productions, and served on the board of Grundys Worldwide; subsequently with her husband, she formed media investment company "RG Capital Holdings", and pursued a career as a writer of historical novels.
Biography
Early career
Chambers was named the inaugural Miss Surf Girl in 1965 by the Queensland Surf Life Saving Club and was a model when she was spotted by her future producer husband Reg, who placed her as a panellist on the Australian version of his game show I've Got A Secret in which she featured over a 10-year tenure and won two Logie Awards in 1969 and 1970 as Most Popular Female Personality in Queensland. She went on to appear in numerous other Grundy's game shows including Everybody's Talking, The Celebrity Game and Blankety Blanks.[2]
Television soap opera
Chambers-Grundy is known for several television soap opera roles including Rita Merrick in The Restless Years, Dr Robyn Porter in The Young Doctors, and Rosemary Daniels in Neighbours. Chambers first played Rosemary, businesswoman and adopted daughter of Anne Haddy's character Helen Daniels, as a guest appearance in 1986 and then played the character on a recurring basis until 2010. Chambers made a brief return to the show in 2005, after line producer Linda Walker emailed her asking if she would return for the 20th anniversary celebrations.[3] She shot her scenes in April on a visit to Melbourne.[3][4] In May 2010, it was announced that Chambers would again be reprising the role of Rosemary.[5] Chambers also appeared in film All at Sea.
Career as writer
Chambers had a keen interest in poetry and literature which began in childhood, with her father encouraging her deep love of the English word. Chambers was an author of historical novels.[6] She was also the International Patron of the Ipswich Poetry Feast.
Personal life and death
Chambers was the second wife of television media mogul Reg Grundy from 1971 until his death in 2016. The couple lived in Bermuda.[7] Chambers died in Queensland, Australia on 17 September 2023, at the age of 76.[8]
