Australian pioneer playwright Ray Lawler, best known for Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, has died at 103: ‘His legacy lives on’

Ray Lawler has died at the age of 103.

The beloved Australian playwright was best known for his groundbreaking play Summer of the Seventeenth Doll.

The theatre legend died in Melbourne on Wednesday after what was described as a “short illness”.

He is survived by his wife, Jacklyn Kelleher, as well as three children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, the Herald Sun reported.

Tributes poured in following the sad news, with The Melbourne Theatre Company sharing a touching message on Instagram.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Ray Lawler, former Artistic Director of the Melbourne Theatre Company and a pioneer of Australian playwriting,” it read.

Lawler’s 1955 play Summer of the Seventeenth Doll was a watershed in Australian theatre history. This legacy lives on, decades later, in the company’s dedication to fostering new Australian theatre.

“Our thoughts are with Ray’s family and friends, and with the theatre community.”

Ray Lawler (pictured) has died at the age of 103. The beloved Australian playwright was best known for his groundbreaking play Summer of the Seventeenth Doll

Fans of the playwright responded by writing their own tributes in the comments below the post.

‘So sad to hear of his passing. Summer of the Seventeenth Doll had a huge impact on me as a student, the first modern play I ever saw…still as relevant today. End of an era,’ wrote one.

Another said: ‘A wonderful tribute to an Australian great and pioneer. Vale Ray Lawler, thank you for your reflections on Australian life.’

Another added: “He gave us a lot of joy. Rest in peace, sir.”

The theatre legend died in Melbourne on Wednesday after what was described as a ‘short illness’

Summer of the Seventeenth Doll premiered at the Union Theatre at the University of Melbourne in 1955. It was made into a film in 1959 starring Angela Lansbury.

Summer of the Seventeenth Doll premiered in 1955 at the Union Theatre at the University of Melbourne.

In 1959 the film was adapted into a movie starring Angela Lansbury, Anne Baxter, John Mills and Ernest Borgnine.

Lawler was praised for his talents throughout his life in Australia and abroad. In 2023 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).

In 1980 he was also appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).