Jools Topp
Dame Jools Topp | |
|---|---|
 Topp in 2018 | |
| Born | Julie Bethridge Topp 14 May 1958 Huntly, New Zealand |
| Died | 23 May 2026 (aged 68) |
| Occupation | Entertainer |
| Years active | 1975–2026 |
| Known for | Topp Twins musical duo Lesbian activism |
| Relatives | Lynda Topp (sister) |
Dame Julie Bethridge Topp DNZM (14 May 1958 – 23 May 2026) was a New Zealand entertainer. She was one half of the Topp Twins, a music comedy duo; the other member was her twin sister Lynda Topp. With her sister, she became one of New Zealand's best-known entertainers through live performances, television and film over several decades. They combined country and folk music, comedy, and political activism, and performed as original characters including Ken & Ken and Camp Mother and Camp Leader. The sisters were both appointed Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours.
The twins started their career busking in Christchurch and Auckland during the 1970s and performed at protests and public events relating to issues including women's rights, homosexual law reform, Māori land rights and opposition to the 1981 Springbok tour. They appeared in numerous television shows and were the subjects of the 2009 documentary film The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls. They co-authored several books including their memoirs in 2003 and 2023; the latter won an award for being the best-selling New Zealand book in 2024.