Valli Kemp: Glamour, Art, and a Life Among Icons
Valli Kemp, born on November 19, 1950, is an Australian model-turned-actress, designer, artist, and teacher whose life journey is as colourful as her artwork. Best known for her striking appearance in the cult horror classic Dr. Phibes Rises Again opposite Vincent Price, Valli also carved out a unique space for herself in the worlds of fashion, film, and fine art — while rubbing shoulders with some of the most dazzling names of London’s 1970s social elite.
From Kenya to the World Stage
Born in Kenya to British parents, Valli moved to London as a child following political unrest in East Africa, and later emigrated to Australia at age 12. Even as a young girl, she was drawn to the world of art and design, landing her first creative job at just 14 with Australian lingerie company Berlei. That same year, she also began modelling — a move that would catapult her to international fame.
Modelling Stardom
With her sultry looks and camera-friendly charisma, Valli became a regular face in Australian media, appearing on the cover of Australasian Post more than two dozen times. Her big break came in 1970 when she won the title of Miss World Australia. That same year she moved to London to represent her country in the global Miss World competition, reuniting with her long-lost brother in the process — a moment that made headlines.
Life in London’s Glittering Scene
London in the 1970s became Valli’s playground, both professionally and socially. She found herself in high demand for commercials and film roles, and quickly became a familiar figure on the social circuit. Valli developed close friendships with many well-known figures of the day, including actor Richard Johnson and his glamorous wife, actress Françoise Pascal. She was also close to Leena Skoog — a fellow model and confidante — who was married to Alan Whitehead, drummer of the chart-topping band Marmalade.
Valli was a regular at the capital’s most fashionable clubs and events, often seen in the company of legendary London nightclub owner Louis Brown. Together, this glittering group formed a tight-knit circle that moved with ease through the high society of Swinging London.
Big Screen & Small Screen Roles
Valli’s acting career kicked off in Australia with TV series like Riptide and You Can’t See ‘Round Corners, followed by a role in the Olympic-themed film The Games. Her real breakthrough came in 1972 when she was cast as Vulnavia, the deadly but silent assistant to Vincent Price’s iconic character in Dr. Phibes Rises Again. The role had originally gone to another actress, but Valli stepped in and made it her own, securing a long-term contract that hinted at a potential film series that sadly never materialised.
Other appearances followed, including parts in Rollerball (1975), The Great Muppet Caper (1981), and numerous UK television shows.
A Passion for Painting and Design
Behind the scenes, Valli was nurturing her lifelong love for art. Encouraged by none other than Vincent Price — himself an art critic and collector — she held a successful exhibition in London, selling 30 paintings in just two hours. Her client list included stars like Des O’Connor, Michael Parkinson, and the comedy duo Mike & Bernie Winters.
Returning to Australia in the 1980s, Valli shifted her focus to fashion design and held her first runway show in Sydney in 1984. She later became an art teacher in Newcastle NSW, where she continues to create and inspire through her work.
Private Life and Personal Growth
In 1973, Valli married businessman Robert Winsor, a close friend of Richard Johnson. The whirlwind romance was the talk of the London social scene — especially since Valli reportedly proposed to Robert while sailing in the Mediterranean. Though their marriage ended after 18 months, the two remained close friends.
She later remarried in Australia and raised three children, moving away from the spotlight but never far from creativity.
