Justine Smith has reflected on the legacy of Dame Jools Topp, saying the beloved Kiwi entertainer "paved the way" for generations of New Zealand comedians.
Dame Jools, one half comedic singing duo The Topp Twins, died of breast cancer on Saturday. She was 68.
Dame Jools and her twin sister Dame Lynda performed together for more than four decades, becoming cultural icons of New Zealand comedy, music and activism.
The sisters revealed in 2022 they were both undergoing treatment for breast cancer, with Dame Jools first diagnosed in 2006.
Speaking to Breakfast this morning, Smith said the Topp Twins had been a constant presence in her upbringing as an aspiring comedian.
“My whole family just loved these brassy lesbians yodelling on the television,” she said. "They were just icons. No one reached New Zealand like them.
“They did an unbelievable amount for us, and we owe them a debt of gratitude."
She said Dame Jool's influence would continue through the extensive body of work she created with her sister.
“68 just feels like a rip off. It feels really young,” she said.
“But Jools can never really be gone from us, because we have so much from her. She’s always at our fingertips.”
Dame Jools and her sister Lynda entertained Kiwis for some four decades. (Source: 1News)
Tributes had poured in from across New Zealand since the news of Dame Jools' death.
Yesterday, Dame Lynda shared an emotional farewell, relaying her sister’s final message of thanks to New Zealand for supporting them over more than 40 years.
"We couldn’t have done it without you. You made us who we are, you made us the Topp Twins," Dame Lynda said.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described her as a “New Zealand icon” who brought laughter and music into homes for decades.
Her manager and close friend of 34 years, Arani Cuthbert, described her passing as a major loss for the country’s arts community, calling her a “mighty tōtara of the NZ arts world”.
Smith said the Topp Twins and their set of characters – including Camp Mother and Camp Leader, the Bowling Ladies and the cross-dressing Ken and Ken – would forever be remembered.
“New Zealand comedy would not be where it is without them, especially for wāhine," Smith said.
“It’s a sad day for comedy, but there’s a joy in it as well — she’s not here anymore but look at what she gave us."
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