Ethel Isabel Lang (1902–November 1995)[1] was an Australian actress prominent in radio in the '40s and '50s. She married elocution teacher James Brunton Gibb in 1923.[2] They frequently appeared on stage together.
While raising a family during The Depression and World War II and beyond, she had an independent career:
Like her husband, she was generous in her support of charitable events, notably Legacy. On occasion, she adjudicated at eisteddfods and produced performances by the Brunton Gibb Players, when she used her married name.[5]
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She received the AM in 1992 for services to the arts and community.[6]
They had a son Peter in 1924, a daughter (Judith) Wendy in 1925[7] a daughter Barbara Joan around 1928 and a son David in 1939.[8] The whole family used "Brunton" as though it were part of their surname.
Peter and Wendy Brunton Gibb both excelled in elocution.[9][10] Wendy appeared in the 1949 Charles Chauvel film Sons of Matthew, left for London and joined Dan O'Connor's British Commonwealth Players and in 1953 became Mrs Michael Benge.[11]
Peter served with the RAAF during WWII and married in 1946.[12]
Barbara was educated at Fort Street High School and worked as a radio[13] and stage actress associated with Doris Fitton's Independent Theatre and Mercury Theatre under the name Barbara Brunton, marrying journalist Stuart Revill in 1952.[14]
David became Professor of Anaesthetics and Intensive Care at UNSW in 2001.[15] He is commemorated at Sydney High School by the David Brunton Gibb Prize for Soccer.