Australia’s TV community is paying tribute to “Neighbours” and “Prisoner” actor Janet Andrewartha, who died Friday (26th July) aged 72. The cause of death was not revealed.
Andrewartha was best known for her portrayal of Lyn Scully in “Neighbours,” a role she played from 1999 until 2006, returning in 2009 until 2011; and as Reb Keane in “Prisoner,” rebranded in the U.K. as “Prisoner: Cell Block H.”
“Everyone at Neighbours is deeply saddened by the passing of Janet Andrewartha,” reads a statement from the soap’s official social media account.
“Beloved by viewers for her role as Ramsay Street’s Lyn Scully, Janet will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts are with Janet’s family and loved ones at this time.”
Everyone at Neighbours is deeply saddened by the passing of Janet Andrewartha. Beloved by viewers for her role as Ramsay Street’s Lyn Scully, Janet will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts are with Janet’s family and loved ones at this time. pic.twitter.com/tBWlE8iTZ5
— Neighbours (@neighbours) July 28, 2024
A star of the stage and screen since the early 1980s, Andrewartha also enjoyed stints on police procedural “Blue Heelers” as Det. Bridget Ryan, and had a guest spot in popular ’80s drama “A Country Practice” and telemovie “Moby-Dick”.
Most recently, she was cast in the thriller series “Fake” and SBS drama “Safe Home”.
Following her 2006 departure from “Neighbours,” Andrewartha worked in London with the Melbourne Theatre Company. Across her career, she racked-up an impressive portfolio with appearances in such plays as “Rising Fish Prayer,” “Hotel Sorrento,” “A Happy and Holy Occasion,” “Sex Diary of an Infidel,” and many others.
A Melbourne native, she was twice honoured at the Green Room Awards, her hometown’s premier, peer-presented, performing arts industry awards.
“Neighbours” alum and pop star Holly Vallance (now Holly Candy) turned to X to share here memories . “Deeply sad losing Janet Andrewartha. She was a superb human being who taught me so much from the age of 15,” she writes.
Vallance had a special connection with Andrewartha; she played Felicity Scully, daughter to Lyn. “I’ll treasure her last trip to the UK forever. Precious memories I’m so grateful for. A beautiful, talented, hilarious & kind woman. I’m so glad it was you who played my Mum. You were the real deal. Made us feel safe. And looked after us when we were all so young in the industry. It was an honour to work beside you and call you a friend.”
Deeply sad losing Janet Andrewartha. She was a superb human being who taught me so much from the age of 15. I'll treasure her last trip to the UK forever. Precious memories I'm so grateful for. A beautiful, talented, hilarious & kind woman.
— Holly Candy (@hollycandy) July 28, 2024
I'm so glad it was you who played my… pic.twitter.com/WYzSbCcxqU
“Neighbours” co-star and friend Jackie Woodburne remembers Andrewartha as “one of the finest actors of a generation. I will miss her everyday”. The late performer was “passionate, political, curious, delightfully eccentric, generous and fun.”
Former “Neighbours” co-star Stefan Dennis remarked, “she truly was an exceptional actress who was a pleasure to work with and to be around. We will all miss you dear girl.”
Woodburne died in her sleep with her daughters Sarah and Eloise by her side, the “Herald Sun” reports.