ABC Mrs Bligh penned several popular books with advice for housewives. Celebrated Tasmanian housewife and author Marjorie Bligh, said by some to be the inspiration for Dame Edna Everage, has died at the age of 96.
Marjorie Bligh was considered the ultimate Tasmanian housewife, penning several books with advice on domestic matters, etiquette and relationships.
Some believe the 96-year-old from Devonport inspired Barry Humphries’ most famous character, Dame Edna Everage.
In the past, Humphries has denied Edna was totally inspired by Mrs Bligh, but he admitted to being a fan.
Mrs Bligh is being remembered for her domestic prowess and sense of humour.
Her biographer Danielle Wood has told ABC Local Radio Mrs Bligh was bemused when Humphries showed an interest in her work.
“I’m not sure that she ever really understood the nature of that interest, but she enjoyed it and she had a terrific sense of humour,” she said.
“So she did always enjoy it when people had a bit of nonsense with her and she also, of course, enjoyed accolades when she published books and when those books had success.”
Mrs Bligh’s already high profile was boosted earlier this year when her biography Housewife Superstar was launched in the US.
Tributes have been posted on the book’s Facebook page, with one fan saying her household hints will live on in many a home.
Another fan posted: “Too late to tell her, but when I grow up I want to be just like Marjorie Bligh – Housewife Superstar.”
Mrs Bligh published her first book on domestic tips in 1965, after several newspaper columns.
She was known for passing on practical advice for saving money, including knitting garments and other items from plastic bread bags and pantyhose.
She was also famous for her old-fashioned recipes for sponges and culinary delights and even branched into marriage advice in the book, Marjorie Bligh’s A-Z for marital bliss.
Mrs Bligh died on Tuesday night in a Latrobe nursing home in Tasmania’s north-west.
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