Irene Margaret Clifford (née Blackford) (17 November 1898 – 7 April 1996), professionally known as Colleen Clifford, was a British-born performer, who worksd in England as well as in Australia in radio, stage, television and film as an actress, she was also a theatre director and producer, coloratura soprano, dancer, comedian and classical pianist who was a specialist in voice production, drama and music. In a career spanning nearly eight decades, she was one of the most popular actresses who later became known as the grand dame and matriarch of the entertainment profession and performing arts.

Clifford started her career in her native United Kingdom where was an early radio and television performer for the British Broadcasting Corporation during the 1930s and 1940s hosting cabaret and variety shows, and during the Second World War, becoming a feature of news broadcasting and war concerts. Clifford was, at one time, featured on a 15-minute radio show showcasing her singing and musical performances. After emigrating to Australia in 1954, she was a highly recognizable character actress of stage and subsequently television in series and mini-series and in films.