Tragedy as Neighbours actress dies aged 72

Janet Andrewartha has sadly passed away at the age of 72, with the Neighbours star's friends and co-stars paying tribute to the iconic actress on social media

Janet Andrewartha, the actress celebrated for her portrayal of Lyn Scully in the iconic Australian soap Neighbours, has passed away at the age of 72.

The beloved star died in Melbourne last Friday, surrounded by her daughters Eloise and Sarah. The announcement of her passing was made on Sunday, with the team behind Neighbours honouring her memory on social media.

"Everyone at Neighbours is deeply saddened by the passing of Janet Andrewartha," the tribute 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."

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The homage continued: "Janet had many friendships at Neighbours and one of her most enduring bonds was with Jackie Woodburne, who 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.' Our thoughts are with Janet's family and loved ones at this time."

Colleagues and admirers have been expressing their condolences in the comments section, with Neighbours co-star Stefan Dennis, known for his role as the formidable Paul Robinson, adding: "So very upset to lose the lovely Janet. As Jackie said, she truly was an exceptional actress who was a pleasure to work with and to be around. We will all miss you, dear girl.", reports the Mirror.

Colette Mann expressed her shock and sadness, stating: "I was so shocked to hear this news yesterday and I can only echo Jackie's words about Janet... brilliant, crazy in the best way, a good friend and great colleague. Vale Ms Janet my friend."

Fans also shared their grief, with one saying: "This is so sad, just watched her in "Fake", small part but was good and looked well! " Another reminisced: "I remember watching Scully's first episode back in 1999/2000. Rest In Peace, Janet."

"Such sad news to wake up to, Janet playing Lyn in Neighbours was great in so many ways, a great character too and will be missed. Much love to all her family and friends," added another follower. Janet began her successful career as a music teacher before deciding to pursue acting.

After graduating from drama school in 1979, she quickly found success in television roles. In 1981, she took her one-woman theatre show, Singing in the Raid, on tour in Melbourne.

The following year, she had the chance to perform her show at the National Theatre. One of her earliest TV roles was in an episode of Carson's Law in 1983.

She also played Iris in the production Framework at the Universal Theatre. In 1984, she secured the role of Reb Kean in the drama series Prisoner.

The actress made a return to her role in the series in 1985, following which she starred in numerous productions for the Melbourne Theatre Company. She bagged the leading actress award at the 1987 Green Room Awards for her performance in Tom and Viv.

Janet portrayed Marion Stewart in the ABC drama series Embassy, playing the resilient wife of an Australian ambassador, a role that earned her a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Television Drama at the 1991 Australian Film Institute Awards.

In 1999, she joined the cast of Neighbours as Lyn, where she remained for seven years before returning to theatre. However, she made a comeback to the show in 2008 and 2009, staying on for another two years.

After leaving again in 2011, Janet reprised her role in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Her final roles included portraying Diana Thompson in Safe Home and Kath Tovey in Fake this year.