Neighbours fans around the world were shocked on Sunday to learn of the passing of Janet Andrewartha, who was best known for playing iconic Ramsay Street Resident, Lyn Scully.
Janet died in her sleep on Friday night, surrounded by her daughters at home in Melbourne.
The news broke through a post on Neighbours’ official social media accounts. In the post the show quoted one of Janet’s dearest friends and Neighbours co-star, Jackie Woodburn, who had known the actor long before their time together on Ramsay Street.
“Janet was one of the finest actors of her generation, but more than that she was an extraordinary woman. ” Woodburn is quoted as saying.
“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.”
Both fans of the show as well as some of her co-stars took to social media to express their shock and sadness at the passing of this legendary performer.
Stefan Dennis’s character, Paul Robinson, was married to Lyn Scully for a short while on the show and was one of the first to comment.
“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.”
Colette Mann, better known as Sheila Canning in Neighbours and Doreen Anderson in Prisoner: Cell Block H, had also known Janet for many years.
“I was 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 sna dgreat colleague. Vale Ms. Janet my friend.”
Jane Hall played another one of Paul Robinson’s many wives, Rebecca Napier and shared her thoughs on Instagram.
“I cannot fathom this loss. I send all my love to the friends and family of Janet, she was loved by so many.”
Lyn had long been a favourite character of many and fans were shocked to hear of the news, calling Andrewartha an “Australian Icon” .
Another fan remembered her portrayal of Lyn fondly.
“I can just hear her ‘Oh Stephie’ voice. A memorable character and woman.”
That was, of course, in reference to her screen daughter Steph Scully, played by Carla Bonner. Carla appeared at the OZTV 24 convention in Birmingham last week where she spoke fondly of her on screen mum, with many fans calling for a return of the mother-daughter duo to Ramsay Street.
You can catch some of Lyn Scully’s most memorable moments, including her last appearance in 2019 when she returned in the run-up to Paul Robinson’s wedding to Terese Willis, on Amazon Freevee. Lyn’s 3-episode return began with episode 8178 on August 28th.