Vale: Charlotte Dawson

Charlotte Dawson, best known as the fiery Reality TV judge in Australia’s Next Top Model, has died, aged 47.

She was found dead at her Woolloomooloo home, understood to have been found by a security guard this morning.

A police media spokesman gave this statement to news.com.au this morning: “About 11am police from the Kings Cross local area command were called to Cowper Wharf Road after the body of a woman had been located in a unit. No suspicious circumstances at this stage and a report is being prepared for the coroner.”

The always-outspoken Dawson rose from a modelling career to one in the media thanks to her ability to perform well for the cameras, using humour to portray the “tough love bitch.” She also appeared on Mornings, Celebrity Apprentice Australia, Kid’s Choice Awards and was a regular guest at industry events.

However her she had previously been hospitalised for issues surrounding depression after ongoing difficulties dealing with social media trolling, which resulted in a suicide attempt in 2012.

In an interview on 60 Minutes, she said the experience was “really humiliating and embarrassing [but] I will recover from this”.

Recently she told TV Tonight that criticism of her television role was misunderstood.

“During the (Top Model) season there are a minority of people who get very confused as to what bullying is, and they think that being a judge on a Reality show is the role of the bully to threaten, intimidate and terrify and that’s not what the role is at all. But there’s a small proportion of people who unfortunately think that. So it’s better not to be called a bully when you’re trying to fight bullying because it confuses some people who don’t understand what bullying is,” she said.

“The only people who criticise me as a villain are people who’ve never watched the show.”

She had recently parted ways with both Australia’s Next Top Model and her agency Chic Management and indicated she wanted to move away from a media role.

Close friend Alex Perry told news.com.au, “She was such a beautiful girl, she had so much energy and such a sense of humour but her battle with her mental illness just made it so difficult for her to really go in so many parts of her life,” he said.

“I loved Charlotte so much but she was a very tormented woman and really was finding it hard to battle her mental illness.”

“She obviously has tried and tried so hard to raise awareness of mental illness but it really did just totally take its toll and got on top of her. As I said, I pray for her.”

Brian Walsh, Foxtel Executive Director of Television at Foxtel said in a statement, “What a terrible and tragic loss. Everyone at Foxtel who worked with Charlotte is devastated. Charlotte has been an integral part of the company for many years, working on a range of entertainment productions, most notably Australia’s Next Top Model,” Mr Walsh said.

“Suffice to say, that the show’s success owes a great deal to her contribution. Charlotte was reliable, professional, passionate and loyal. Indeed she was the type of performer who excelled under pressure and could always be relied upon to deliver.

“I know that she had many fans, especially young girls, who saw her as role model. A strong, intelligent woman who loved life. It is profoundly sad that hers had to end this way. Our thoughts go to her family and friends. May she be at peace now.”

The Nine Network said, “All Charlotte’s friends at Channel 9 are shocked and devastated by the news this morning. We love her and hope that she is at peace.”

Sarah Murdoch said, “From when we first met, Charlotte would give me those real, doubled over laughs. She was so quick-witted and funny. Never rehearsed, Charlotte would just say it like it is. She was an incredibly supportive friend to me and all who were lucky enough to know her. Chars, you’ve left us too early. We will miss you terribly.”

Didier Cohen added, “This can’t be true … I just talked to you yesterday … I love you mama and I will always miss you ….I wish you knew how much you were loved… I love and miss you forever… I can’t believe this… RIP.”

Chic Management, which represented Dawson until three months ago, have released the following statement: “The directors and team at Chic Celebrity are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Charlotte Dawson today. Charlotte was a hard working and talented presenter and host who also became a strong advocate in relation to a number of modern social issues. Charlotte was a generous and passionate supporter of a number of key charities and will be remembered as an intelligent, enthusiastic and energetic woman. The Chic team wish to express their sincere condolences to Charlotte’s family and friends.”

Lifeline: 131114
beyondblue.org.au

Please note: Only comments which celebrate the spirit of Charlotte Dawson will be approved today, thanks.

Source: Fairfax, Daily Telegraph

This post updates.