But Toni Stevens is adamant she has never been one.

"I never sought stardom. I'm a family person," she says matter-of-factly.

"I've always been the support act."

The Morisset entertainer is this month celebrating 50 years in showbusiness.

And as she flicks through pages of career mementoes, newsletters and photographs it becomes increasingly evident that these personal treasures must surely one day become her biography.

It's also clear that plenty of people see her as much more than the mere support act she speaks of.

"Stardom comes with responsibilities," she says.

"Look at Susan Boyle. At 50-something she became a star and couldn't handle it."

Toni arrived in Sydney via her native UK and South Africa in 1972.

In 1987 she moved to Cooranbong, bought the derelict Morisset bakery and transformed it into the now thriving Aunty Molly's and the The Olde Bakehouse Restaurant in Morisset.

She owns the property, and leases the Italian restaurant.

These days, locals know Toni, 70, as a venue owner, host, MC, comedienne, and theatre restaurant and show producer.

In the early days, it was her singing, acting, music and comedy that paid the bills.

Tastes and audiences change.

But comedy has remained one of two constants in Toni's career.

"Comedy is my favourite because it just makes people happy, and when they're happy they laugh, and laughing releases endorphins," she says.

As an actor, Toni appeared in classic Australian television soapies such as A Country Practice, Young Doctors and Sons and Daughters.

She's was a guest on all of the TV talk shows from In Melbourne Tonight with Ernie Sigley, to The Mike Walsh Show and The Don Lane Show.

She's appeared in movies, and TV commercials, and won a Mo Award.

But her proudest career achievement is her charity work - the other constant in her career.

In 1978, she founded The Australian Ladies Variety Association (ALVA) for female entertainers and the wives of entertainers.

"ALVA provides physical, mental and financial support for these ladies," Toni said.

ALVA is now worth $5 million.

Toni can occasionally be seen around town in her Morisset Rotary shirt.

But she has also been a long-time supporter of charities such as the Cancer Council, the Garvan Institute, Red Cross, Westmead Children's Hospital and the Make A Wish Foundation.

She's also been the driving force behind private fund-raising events for locals who are doing it tough.

"If you're given a talent, share it," she says of her charity work.

"Spread it around."

When pressed to estimate how much money she has helped to raise for charity over the years, Toni smiles.

"Nigh on $1 million, I suppose."

But she is quick to shift the focus to the performers at her fund-raisers ... and to the punters who make the donations.

Always the support act.