‘Trailblazing’ Movie Producer Dies Suddenly at 42

Liz Tomkins, a beloved force in the Australian film industry and the producer behind 2024’s wild kangaroo horror flick Rippy, has tragically died in a car accident at just 42 years old.

The shock loss has rocked Australia’s entertainment world, coming just days after Tomkins stepped down as chair of Women in Film and Television (WIFT) — a position she held for three transformative years.

A Queensland native, Tomkins wore many hats over her two-decade career: producer, bookkeeper, production manager, and advocate for women in the industry. Her résumé reads like a highlight reel of Australian screen history — from working on Steven Spielberg’s The Pacific, to sci-fi series Terra Nova, to the cult-favorite Doctor Who spinoff K9.

But her most recent passion project had the internet buzzing: Rippy, Australia’s first kangaroo-themed horror movie, co-starring The Terminator’s Michael Biehn and Home and Away star Tess Haubrich.

WIFT confirmed her death with a heartfelt tribute, calling Tomkins “an inspirational and dynamic leader” and “a shining light” in the film community.

During her time at WIFT, Tomkins led with what the organization described as “infectious energy, enthusiasm, and unwavering pride,” helping boost visibility and opportunities for women in showbiz. She also took her mission global, spending several years in North America working with the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce to promote cross-Pacific film collaborations.

Tributes poured in across social media from colleagues and stars alike.

“Such a terrible tragedy. Liz had such a massive heart and will be deeply missed,” wrote TV director Helena Brooks.

“I’m so shocked this morning to hear that sad news,” added motion capture artist Silvia Gaillard.

“Such a soft, hardworking, and brave woman,” wrote Rippy co-star Mara Jean Quinn.

Tomkins is survived by her parents and brother — and by a film legacy that’s sure to echo for years to come.