Actress Janet Andrewartha, known for her role as Lynn Scully on Neighbors, has died at the age of 72.
The sad news was announced online on Sunday by the Neighbours social media account, which praised her impressive “extensive body of work.”
“Everyone at Neighbours is deeply saddened by the passing of Janet Andrewartha,” reads a post on the Australian series’ official page.
“Janet is best known for her role as Lynn Scully on Ramsay Street, and will be remembered for her diverse work, including her unforgettable role as Reb Keane on Prisoner: Cell Block H.”
The famous actress died in her sleep in Melbourne on Friday, with her daughters Sarah and Eloise by her side, according to the Herald Sun.
The statement from Neighbours magazine touched on the close friendship between the star and actress Jackie Woodburn.
“Janet had many friendships in the neighborhood, and one of her most enduring bonds was with Jackie Woodburn,” the statement said.
She shared the following words: “Janet was one of the best actresses of her generation, but more than that, she was an extraordinary woman.
“She was passionate, political, curious, eccentric, generous and fun. She was a constant friend to me for over 45 years. I will miss her every day.”
“Our thoughts are with Janet’s family and loved ones at this time,” the neighbors’ statement said.
Ms Andrewartha starred in the hit Australian series between 1999 and 2006, returning occasionally until 2019.
Late last year, she reunited with her on-screen daughter, Holly Valance – who now goes by her married name, Holly Candy.
Kandi posted a series of photos on her X account, showing her sitting at home watching an episode of Neighbours alongside the Australian actress.
Candy, 40, played Felicity Scully on Neighbours from 1999 to 2002.
Ms Andrewartha was visiting the UK where she appeared at a fan convention for the hit Australian TV series, Prisoner, in Birmingham.
“I’m home watching TV with my mom,” Candy captioned the photos, along with a love heart.
Janet Andrewartha remembered as ‘a wonderful actress’
Former Neighbours casting director Jan Ross described her in an online post uploaded Sunday as “a beautiful, talented, wonderful actress and human being, the unforgettable Janet Andrewartha.”
“I chose Janet to play Rip Keene in Prisoner because I was a fan of her work and I was confident she would embrace the role and make it her own,” she wrote.
“[I] She was also cast as Lynn Scully in Neighbours where she again excelled in her role. Of course her stage successes were also great and many theatregoers will remember her work at MTC.
“It was so sad to hear this news (of her passing). She was a vibrant and calm person and will be greatly missed in the industry.
“God bless my dear Janet. She will forever be in our hearts and her memory will be beautiful.”
Born in September 1951, she began her career as a music teacher before choosing to train as an actress.
In an interview she said that she was teaching music at a school when the headmaster asked her to perform a musical with the Year 10 students.
I said to him, “I don’t know anything about theatre,” and he said, “Can you tell me?”
This was the beginning of her passion for theatre and acting, as her theatrical works extended from 1981 to 2013.
Last year I played Diana in safe home On SBS, her latest work was the Logie Award-nominated drama Paramount+. forged Starring Asher Keddie.
