Doris Goddard, the publican of Sydney’s beloved Hotel Hollywood, has died at the age of 89.
Born in Forest Lodge in Sydney’s inner west, Goddard made her name as a cabaret performer travelling throughout Europe and Asia. In the 1950s she appeared in a number of films including a bit part opposite Katharine Hepburn and Bob Hope in The Iron Petticoat.
Upon her return she became a publican in New South Wales, owning pubs in Newtown and Balmain before finally purchasing the famous art deco building that became home to the Hotel Hollywood in Sydney’s Surry Hills in 1977.
The legendary Doris Goddard, proprietress of the Hollywood Hotel, and its longest-serving barfly, has passed away. "She continued to sing to the end". pic.twitter.com/NnhKT0RjLH
— Richard Cooke (@rgcooke) July 29, 2019
The Hollywood has become a signature Sydney institution, and the sight of Goddard serenading patrons in the poky front bar was a common fixture for decades.
Her death was announced on her Facebook page on Monday night. “It is with great sadness to announce that one of Sydney best-loved identities, Doris Goddard has passed away,” it read.
“She continued to sing to the end.”
Sydney’s deputy lord mayor, Linda Scott, called Goddard a “beloved icon” of the city and “always a star”.
At this year’s Vivid festival, Goddard was honoured when the Hollywood was made a canvas for visual effects house Heckler’s 50 Iconic Women projection.
Goddard herself was inducted as the 51st iconic woman, alongside the likes of Kate Moss, Brigitte Bardot, Amy Winehouse and Queen Elizabeth II.
