Biography

The Topp Twins were made Dames Companion to the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2018, saying at the time that meant Camp Mother, Camp Leader, the Kens and all their characters were knighted now too.

In March 2022 Jools and her twin sister Lynda revealed that they had both been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021.

She and her twin sister 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, Maori land rights and opposition to the 1981 Springbok tour.

Jools Topp was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2006 at the age of 48. Originally examined by a physician in January 2006, nothing was done as it was not detected by a mammogram. Topp was diagnosed seven months later when the breast cancer showed up with an ultrasound exam. She recovered well after receiving a mastectomy in October 2006 and several months of chemotherapy.

Jools Topp 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. They combined country and folk music, comedy, and political activism, and performed as original characters including Ken & Ken and Camp Mother and Camp Leader.