Actress with iconic role in Neighbours dies aged 72

Loved ones of an iconic Australian actress are in mourning following the star’s death.

Neighbours actress Janet Andrewartha, known for her role as Lyn Scully, has died aged 72.

The sad news was announced online on Sunday by the Neighbours social media account, which paid tribute to her impressive “wide body of work”.

“Everyone at Neighbours is deeply saddened by the passing of Janet Andrewartha,” a post from the Aussie soap’s official page read.

“Beloved by viewers for her role as Ramsay Street’s Lyn Scully, Janet will be remembered for her wide body of work, which includes her memorable turn as Reb Keane in Prisoner: Cell Block H.”

Neighbours actress Janet Andrewartha has died aged 72.

Janet Andrewartha as Rebecca 'Reb' Kean in Prisoner. Picture: Supplied

The iconic actress slipped away in her sleep in Melbourne on Friday, with her daughters Sarah and Eloise by her side, according to Herald Sun.

The statement from Neighbours touched on the star’s close friendship with fellow actress Jackie Woodburne.

“Janet had many friendships at Neighbours and one of her most enduring bonds was with Jackie Woodburne,” it read.

Janet Andrewartha with Xander McGuire and Carla Bonner. Picture: Supplied/Channel 10

She shared the following words: “Janet was one of the finest actors of her generation, but more than that, she was an extraordinary woman.

“Passionate, political, curious, delightfully eccentric, generous and fun. To me she was a steadfast friend for over 45 years. I will miss her every day.”

The statement from Neighbours expressed that, “our thoughts are with Janet’s family and loved ones at this time”.

Ms Andrewartha starred on the hit Aussie soap between 1999 and 2006, then returned every so often up to 2019.

Late last year she reunited with her on-screen daughter, Holly Valance – now going by her married name, Holly Candy.

Candy posted a couple of photos to her X account, showing her sitting down at home to watch 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 beloved Australian TV show, Prisoner, in Birmingham.

“Just at home watchin’ tele with me Ma,” Candy captioned the photos, along with a love heart.

Janet Andrewartha remembered as ‘superb actor’

Former Neighbours casting director Jan Russ described her as the, “beautiful, talented and superb actor and human being, the unforgettable Janet Andrewartha,” in an online post uploaded Sunday.

“I had cast Janet in the role of Reb Kean in Prisoner having been a fan of her work and confident she would take in that role and make it her own,” she wrote.

“[I] also cast her as Lyn Scully in Neighbours where once again she excelled in her role. Of course her theatre successes were also superb and many theatre goers will remember her work at the MTC.”

Janet Andrewartha with Carla Bonner. Picture: Supplied/Channel 10

“It was devastating to hear this news (of her passing). She was such a vibrant, serene person and she will be greatly missed in the industry.

“RIP dearest Janet. Forever in our hearts and great memories.”

She was born in September 1951 and began her career as a music teacher before opting to train as an actor.

IN an interview she said she had been teaching music at a school when the principal asked her to put a musical play on with the Year 10 students.

“I said ‘I don’t know anything about theatre’ and he said ‘could you find out?”.

Such was the beginning of her passion within theatre and acting, with stage credits stretching from 1981 to 2013.

Last yeat she played the character of Diana in Safe Home on SBS, and her most recent work was in the Logie-nominated Paramount+ drama Fake starring Asher Keddie.

Originally published as Actress with iconic role in Neighbours dies aged 72