Tributes flow for Cornelia Frances, 77

THE Home and Away cast held a moments silence as tributes flow in for actor Cornelia Frances, who lost her battle with cancer overnight.

THE Home and Away cast held a moments silence as tributes flow in for actor Cornelia Frances, who lost her battle with cancer overnight.

The 77-year-old was much loved for playing Ray ‘Alf’ Meagher’s evil sister, Morag Bellingham, on the long running soap.

“Cornie was an incredibly loved and valued member of our cast over many, many years,” Meagher said. “We had a moment of silence for her on set this morning and she’ll be sadly missed by both cast and crew.”

Cornelia Frances' son Lawrence’s touching tribute to his mum. He wrote: “A very personal photo of my mum during one of her resting moments, she is so peaceful, soft and serene. I truly love this woman.” Picture: Instagram/@neonlolly

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Frances died in Sydney late yesterday, survived by her adult son, Lawrence.

She was diagnosed with bladder cancer last year before being told it had spread to her hip.

Judy Nunn, who played Ailsa on Home and Away, first met Frances in the 70s, the pair working together on feature film, The Box.

Judy Nunn, Ray Meagher have paid tribute to Cornelia Frances.

She and author husband Bruce Venables visited Frances a week ago to say “our goodbyes”.

“She died with the same grace and dignity with which she lived,” Nunn said.

“Cornelia was a very close friend. I loved her dearly. I will miss you Corn, we all will.”

Actor Noel Hodda worked with Frances on Sons and Daughters, on which she played Barbara Armstrong.

Ada Nicodemou has played Leah Parker on Home and Away for nearly 20 years while Lynne McGranger is known for her character, Irene Roberts.

“I worked with Cornelia for many years,” McGranger said. “She was very loved and respected. In a way she paved the way for women in Australian TV always playing such strong characters. My thoughts are with Lawrence and her family.”

Nicodemou added: “Cornelia was very loved and respected. She will be sadly missed. Lawrence, her family and friends are in our thoughts.”

Actor Cornelia Frances on The Weakest Link.

Cornelia Frances was an actor and television star.

“RIP Cornelia Frances,” Hodda wrote on Twitter. “A stalwart of the Oz entertainment industry. We worked together on Sons and Daughters and toured England together once in a play. A great character who will be greatly missed.”

Television presenter, actor and singer David Campbell wrote: “RIP Cornelia Francis. A terrific Australian actor and lovely person.”

Cornelia Francis and Rob Palmer.

Frances was a regular on the big and small screen for more than five decades. Her acting credits include Division 4, Homicide, Prisoner, Kingswood Country, GP, Always Greener and Skyways.

She also hosted game show, The Weakest Link.

“Vale Cornelia Frances,” The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts wrote on Twitter. “The Australian TV legend was perhaps best known for her roles as Morag on HOME & AWAY, Barbara on SONS & DAUGHTERS and as the host of THE WEAKEST LINK. Our thoughts are with Cornelia’s friends and family. She will be sorely missed.”

Cornelia Frances: A career in pictures

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Channel 7 also issued a statement, saying: “Cornelia Frances was a unique person. Her on screen presence inspired a generation of actors. This gift was coupled with an ability to bring a sense of dignity and presence into each room she entered. Her energy and character will be missed.”

Judy Nunn, Ray Meagher, Cornelia Frances and Norman Coburn

Nova radio host Jermaine D’Vauz said he met Frances doing work experience on Home and Away.

“Damn. I met Cornelia Frances when I was doing work experience for Home & Away. Even though I was just filling-in as a clapper, she was so warm and welcoming to me. She will be missed by her fantastic team and all of Australia.”

Originally published as Tributes flow for Cornelia Frances, 77