If you grew up in Australia in the 2000s, Kath Day-Knight’s corkscrew curls and “Look at moi” were part of the cultural furniture. Behind the wig, actress Jane Turner brought a specific comic authenticity that made the character unforgettable.
Born: 1 December 1960 ·
Nationality: Australian ·
Known for: Kath & Kim ·
Awards: Logie Award ·
Notable role: Kath Day-Knight
Quick snapshot
- Born 1 December 1960 in Newcastle, NSW (IMDb (film credits database))
- Co-created and starred in Kath & Kim with Gina Riley (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- Wore a wig as Kath Day-Knight (Jolitson (comedy blog))
- Exact current net worth figure
- Whether Gina Riley has permanently retired or is on indefinite hiatus
- 2002–2007: Original run of Kath & Kim (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- 2008: Feature film Kath & Kim released (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- Turner continues voice work (e.g., Bluey) and occasional stage performances
- Teaches and mentors in comedy
Six key facts, one pattern: Turner’s career is defined by a single iconic character, yet her method of building that character through wigs and vocal work reveals a deeper craft.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Jane Turner OAM |
| Birth date | 1 December 1960 |
| Birthplace | Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation | Actress, comedian, screenwriter |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Known for | Kath & Kim (2002–2007) |
The table shows a performer who built an entire career arc around a single character, but whose method of building that character through wigs and vocal work reveals a deeper craft.
How old was Jane Turner when filming Kath and Kim?
Kath & Kim premiered on 16 May 2002 (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia)). Turner was born 1 December 1960, making her 41 years old when the first episode aired. The show’s original run ended in 2007, meaning she was 44–46 during filming. The feature film Kath & Kimderella (2012) saw her return at age 51.
- Birth date: 1 December 1960 (Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator))
- Show premiered: 16 May 2002
- Age at premiere: 41
- Age range during original run: 41–46
The implication: Turner was already in her forties when she created her most famous role, bringing decades of stage and sketch comedy experience to the character.
Did Jane Turner wear a wig in Kath and Kim?
Yes, Turner wore a wig as Kath Day-Knight. In a 2014 interview, she described the original scrawny nylon wig used for the first series as “pure comic gold” (Jolitson (comedy blog)). She later wore wigs for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in a stage production, and noted that there is an “amazing difference” between a funny wig and one that is not funny. The wig designer for Kath & Kim was Andrée Bastow. Turner even kept the old Kath wig in her cupboard “like an old, dead rat.”
Turner’s wigs weren’t just costumes — they were character tools that transformed her performance. The stretchy, worn-out wig became a physical symbol of Kath’s tired but determined housewife persona.
Did Jane Turner wear hairpieces for other roles?
Yes. For her stage role as Margaret Thatcher, Turner wore a distinct wig to capture the former prime minister’s hair. She described the process as “loving wigging it” (Jolitson (comedy blog)).
The pattern: Turner treats wigs as emotional props, not just cover — each one becomes a physical shortcut into the character’s voice and posture.
Did Gina Riley and Jane Turner get along?
Yes — they are long-term friends. Turner met Riley at Melbourne youth theatre when they were both 17 (The Guardian (UK newspaper)). They later performed together in clubs and restaurants during the late 1980s. The pair co-wrote Kath & Kim and have never publicly fallen out. In interviews, they speak of each other with warmth and humour.
- Met at age 17 at Melbourne youth theatre
- Co-created and co-wrote Kath & Kim
- No public evidence of serious conflict
What this means: The partnership is one of the most enduring in Australian comedy, built on a trust that predates the show.
Why did Gina Riley retire?
Riley stepped back from acting in the early 2000s, choosing a private life over the spotlight. She has not permanently retired — she has taken occasional creative work. The Guardian noted that Riley “disappeared” at the height of her fame, but she has not given a definitive reason. In interviews, Riley has said she values her privacy and family life.
While fans often assume Riley retired entirely, she has continued to work behind the scenes and in live performances. The “disappearance” narrative is more about her avoiding media than leaving the industry.
The pattern: Riley’s retreat is a deliberate choice for privacy, not a professional exit — and that distinction matters for fans wondering if a reunion is possible.
Where is Jane Turner now and what is she doing?
Turner remains active in the entertainment industry. She has done voice work for the children’s show Bluey (as a guest voice), and appears in occasional stage productions. She also teaches and mentors in comedy. Turner and Riley reunited for a stage version of Kath & Kim in 2014 and the 2012 film. Turner’s IMDb page shows credits as recent as 2022 (IMDb (film credits database)).
- Voice work: Bluey (2021–2022)
- Stage: Holding the Man (2010), Margaret Thatcher production
- Teaching: Comedy workshops and mentoring
The pattern: Turner has chosen a quieter, more diverse career rather than chasing the limelight — a choice that mirrors Riley’s, but with more public appearances.
Jane Turner vs. Gina Riley: A career comparison
Three career milestones, one pattern: both women rose to fame together, but their post-Kath & Kim paths diverged significantly.
| Metric | Jane Turner | Gina Riley |
|---|---|---|
| Born | 1 December 1960 | 1961 (exact date not public) |
| Role in Kath & Kim | Kath Day-Knight | Kim Craig |
| Post-show activity | Voice work, stage, teaching | Private life, occasional projects |
The implication: The creative partnership did not end with the show — both have continued to work in their own way, but only Turner remains visibly in the public eye.
Timeline: Jane Turner’s career milestones
- 1960 – Born in Newcastle, New South Wales
- 1977 – Meets Gina Riley at Melbourne youth theatre
- 1980s–1990s – Stage and television comedy appearances
- 2002–2007 – Kath & Kim airs on ABC; Turner stars as Kath
- 2008 – Kath & Kim feature film released
- 2010 – Stage role in Holding the Man (The Guardian (UK newspaper))
- 2012 – Kath & Kimderella film
- 2014 – Stage adaptation of Kath & Kim
- 2020s – Voice work in Bluey, teaching
The pattern: Turner’s career after Kath & Kim has been a slow, deliberate shift toward character work and mentorship rather than chasing fame.
Clarity: Confirmed facts vs. unresolved questions
Confirmed facts
- Jane Turner born 1 December 1960
- Turner wore wigs for Kath & Kim and Margaret Thatcher role
- Gina Riley and Jane Turner are long-time friends
What’s unclear
- Exact current net worth figure
- Whether Gina Riley has permanently retired or is on indefinite hiatus
Quotes: Turner and Riley in their own words
“The original scrawny nylon wig used for the first series of Kath was pure comic gold.”
— Jane Turner, Jolitson (comedy blog)
“There is an amazing difference between a funny wig and one that is not funny.”
— Jane Turner, Jolitson (comedy blog)
“I love putting on wigs. It’s fun to perform in a fabulous, funny wig.”
— Jane Turner, Jolitson (comedy blog)
“We met when we were 17 at Melbourne youth theatre.”
— Jane Turner, The Guardian (UK newspaper)
For fans of Australian comedy, the choice between remembering Turner as Kath or as a multifaceted actor is not a trade-off — she is both. The wigs, the voice, and the partnership with Riley created a character that still resonates. For anyone curious about the woman behind the curls, the facts are clear: Turner was 41 when she brought Kath to life, she used wigs to transform into her roles, and her friendship with Riley is the bedrock of the show. The next step for Turner is likely more voice work and stage appearances, while the question of Riley’s permanent return remains unanswered.
kathandkim.fandom.com, beanstalkbiz.blogspot.com, tv.apple.com, youtube.com, en.wikipedia.org, notreallyaustralian.blogspot.com
For more on Jane Turner’s wig secrets, Jane Turners wig secrets dives into the details behind Kath’s iconic look.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Jane Turner?
Jane Turner was born on 1 December 1960, making her 63 years old as of 2024.
Is Jane Turner still acting?
Yes, she continues to do voice work (e.g., Bluey) and occasional stage performances.
What is Jane Turner’s net worth?
An exact figure is not publicly confirmed, but estimates place it in the range of $1–5 million based on her long career in television and film.
Did Jane Turner write Kath and Kim?
Yes, she co-created, wrote, and produced the series with Gina Riley.
Is Jane Turner married?
Yes, she is married to John Denton, and they have three children.
What is the Kath and Kim movie called?
The feature film is simply titled Kath & Kim (2008), and a sequel was Kath & Kimderella (2012).
Where did Jane Turner grow up?
She grew up in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.