Monica Attard, a TV and radio presenter and actor who thrilled theatre crowds for decades, has died aged 74.

Attard was born in Sliema in 1949 and spent practically all her life in the town.

Her stage career began at Sliema’s De Porres Theatre, where she and a small group of friends started putting on plays.

She nurtured that hobby by attending the Manoel Theatre Academy of Dramatic Art, studying under the tutorship of Adrian Rendle.

Monica Attard in Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, from 2022. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

As her talent developed, so did her passion for the stage, and Attard would go on to work on dozens of theatre productions, ranging from Shakespeare’s Anthony & Cleopatra to  Oliver Friggieri’s Rewwixta and Arthur Miller’s Broken Glass.

Attard’s talents also translated to radio and television.

She worked on several audio dramas that were transmitted via Reddifusion and also worked as a radio announcer for several years with Radju Malta before moving on to Radio 101 and TV station Net.

Attard gradually slowed down her rate of work as she entered retirement, but continued to perform in the occasional play.

Actor and director Charlotte Grech was one of the last ones to work with Attard, having directed her in the play 'Her Say' at Spazju Kreattiv in 2022.

Attard in the 2022 production Her Say at Spazju Kreattiv. Photo: Elisa Von Brockdorff

"She was a consummate perfectionist. Working quietly. And showing us how to hold an audience glued to their seats, watching out for every inflection. It was a joy to direct her in this piece and a huge learning curve for me," Grech told Times of Malta following news of Attard’s death.

Actress Sarah Camilleri said: "You may have taken your final bow, but your spirit lives on in the laughter, the tears, and the profound impact you've had on all who were lucky enough to know you. Rest in peace, dear friend. You'll always hold a special place in my heart."

Attard's daughter Nicky Hesla wrote on Sunday: "After bravely battling cancer for so long, my beautiful mother Monica Attard has found peace. Your incredible strength throughout these challenging months has revealed the depth of your character and the inner beauty that defined you."

Nationalist MP and former presenter Claudette Buttigieg was among the first to pay tribute. 

"Rest in peace, dear Monica," Buttigieg wrote. "A woman of great dignity and respect and an excellent actor and presenter."

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said Maltese theatre had "lost one of its giants".

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Bonnici said the actor had "represented so much for the arts scene to so many. She will forever be an inspiration."

Attard is survived by two children and grandchildren.