09 January 2024 , 10:06
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Kellie Dickerson has died aged 53.
The musical theatre director was behind some of the biggest productions including Wicked, The Book of Mormon and Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. She had been battling Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) which is a rare neurodegenerative disorder.
MSA is a neurological disorder that affects the body's involuntary functions, including blood pressure and motor control. According to the NHS, i also affects balance, moment and the autonomic nervous system which controls things such as breathing, digestion and bladder control.
Her agent confirmed her death in a heartbreaking tribute, saying: "It was both a joy and honour to be your friend and agent. You gave so much to so many' the post began.
Kellie was just 53"A true icon of the industry. Your energy, kindness and talent were boundless. You never gave up the fight, humour, grace or Wordle!" Meanwhile, actress Rhonda Burchmore paid tribute, saying: "Rest in peace darling Kellie & fly high beautiful lady - MSA (multiple systems atrophy) is the cruellest of neurological diseases - I know full well as this is the same disease that took my sister's life away. Now you can be reunited with darling Rob."
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Meanwhile, John Foreman posted: "Such sad news. Kellie was such a wonderful person. Kind-hearted, super smart, a wonderful human being. Sending lots of love." Another Instagram user commented: "This is absolutely heartbreaking. Kellie is, was and always will be a very important and loved artist in our industry. She always made the hard stuff fun. I’m so sad for all those who loved her. A great human. A great loss. Vale dearest Kellie. You will be missed. And always loved and admired."
While one took to X, formerly known as Twitter, saying: "So sad to hear about Kellie Dickerson. Always looked forward to seeing her conduct as a teen Wicked fan leaning from the front row into the pit or turning around to watch the monitor screens. Such talent gone too soon. RIP."
Another penned: "Vale Kellie Dickerson. A sad loss to our MT industry but more than that, she was a beautiful, generous and nurturing human being who will be missed by all. Be at peace Kellie, you can rest now." Kellie's condition shares symptoms with Parkinson's disease and tragically, has no cure.
The average life expectancy for somebody with the condition is seven to ten years after the first symptoms appear. Kellie retired from theatre in 2020 as her condition deteriorated and moved back to Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia, and was cared for by her parents.