One of Australia's best loved character actresses until her untimely death in 1992, Gerda was born in Hobart, Tasmania in 1937 to parents in the theatrical profession. Despite being surrounded by actors during her childhood, Gerda studied architecture and worked as a draughtsperson whilst living in London from 1958 to 1961. Returning to Australia, Gerda became involved in amateur dramatics before turning professional with a national tour of "A Woman In A Dressing Gown," followed by several prestigious stage performances with the Melbourne Theatre Company. Gerda also established her leading lady potential on TV, firstly as farmer's wife Fiona Davies in the country drama "Bellbird" and later in the cult series "Prisoner", in which she played Ann Reynolds, the spirited, liberal-minded governor of Wentworth Detention Centre from 1983 to its end in 1986. After "Prisoner", Gerda continued to appear in TV with a brief but memorable guest role in "Neighbours" and in the mini-series "Bangkok Hilton" alongside Denholm Elliott and Nicole Kidman, as well as working on the stage.
Was afraid of mice. During a kidnapping scene in Prisoner some mice were suppose to run over Nicolsons legs. But she was too afraid, so they had to hire a stunt woman to do the scene for her instead. Then it turned out that the stunt woman was even more afraid of mice than Gerda Nicolson, so in the end Nicolson had to do the scene herself...
She is mostly known for her role as Ann Reynolds, govenor of Wentworth Detention Centre, in the popular long running drama series "Prisoner"
The Gerda Nicolson Award (for an Emerging Actress) was instituted in her name to commemorate her work in Australian theatre, as she is spoken of as one of Melbournes finest female actors. The award consists of prize money and is protected by The Green Room Awards Association Inc.
