Dame Jools Topp, half of legendary lesbian comedy duo The Topp Twins, dies aged 68
Dame Jools Topp (Getty)
Dame Jools Topp, half of New Zealand’s legendary lesbian comedy duo The Topp Twins, died on 23 May aged 68.
The icon and comedian was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and underwent chemotherapy and other treatments. Following a stint in remission, the cancer returned in 2021 and Dame Topp had been receiving treatment ever since.
Dame Topp passed away in her home surrounded by her twin sister Lynda, brother Bruce, close friends and pets. Her family shared the news of her passing in a statement posted to social media.
“It is with deep sorrow and unimaginable grief, we announce the passing of my beloved twin sister Jools,” the statement reads. “Today, we have lost a true warrior woman. Jools was wise, courageous, generous, inspiring and funny. We will miss her forever. “
Jools Topp was one half of Aotearoa’s famous musical comedy duo with her sister, Dame Lynda Topp. Folk singers and activists, the pair formed the double act in the 70s when they performed together as children before moving onto busking on the streets of Auckland in the 90s.
Their music intertwined comedy with politics, and they were known for tackling important topics like Māori land rights at Bastion Point and Nuclear Free New Zealand.
Both sisters have been out publicly as lesbians since the 1970s, and have advocated for homosexual law reform in their home country.
Lynda Topp said of her sister: “She lived bravely with breast cancer for 22 years. Now she is finally free to ride on Pegasus, her winged horse, and round up sheep again with our dad Peter and all her precious dogs.”
In an interview with 1News, Lynda also shared that Jools had left her an envelope with a final message.
“I thought it would be something really special for me, to tell me how much she loved and cherished me,” Lynda Topp said. However, the envelope contained a short message for their fans.
“We couldn’t have done it without you,” the message read. “You made us who we are, you made us the Topp Twins.”
Lynda continued: “Tonight, I ask every single one of you out there in New Zealand to hold your loved ones close. And for every person out there and family that are going through cancer, to be there for them, and love them, and hold them in your hearts.”
