One of Australia's best loved character actresses until her untimely death in 1992, Gerda was born in Hobart, Tasmania in 1937 to parents in the theatrical profession. Despite being surrounded by actors during her childhood, Gerda studied architecture and worked as a draughtsperson whilst living in London from 1958 to 1961. Returning to Australia, Gerda became involved in amateur dramatics before turning professional with a national tour of "A Woman In A Dressing Gown," followed by several prestigious stage performances with the Melbourne Theatre Company. Gerda also established her leading lady potential on TV, firstly as farmer's wife Fiona Davies in the country drama "Bellbird" and later in the cult series "Prisoner", in which she played Ann Reynolds, the spirited, liberal-minded governor of Wentworth Detention Centre from 1983 to its end in 1986. After "Prisoner", Gerda continued to appear in TV with a brief but memorable guest role in "Neighbours" and in the mini-series "Bangkok Hilton" alongside Denholm Elliott and Nicole Kidman, as well as working on the stage.