Iconic Australian actress Janet Andrewartha, best known for portraying feisty Lyn Scully in Neighbours, has died at her Melbourne home.
“Everyone is deeply saddened by the passing of Janet Andrewartha.”, the show announced in a post on their social media accounts.
“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.”
Aside from her famed roles in Neighbours and Prisoner, she had appeared in a wide range of Australian dramas including Blue Heelers and A Country Practice.
It is reported that Andrewartha died in her sleep on Friday night, surrounding by family.
The show noted how many friendships Janet had within the cast and crew at Neighbours, particularly a strong bond with co-star Jackie Woodburne, known for her role as Susan Kennedy, who had known Andrewartha for many years before working together on Neighbours.
“Janet was one of the finest actors of her generation, but more than that she was an extraordinary woman. ” Woodburne 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.”
Lyn Scully arrived on Ramsay Street, with the rest of Scully family, in late 1999, remaining in the main cast until 2006. She made a return to the show for eighteen months from August 2009 as well as a number of guest stints over the years.
She was most recently seen in 2019, returning alongside a number of other former wives of Paul Robinson before his marriage to Terese Willis.
In 2010 to mark the 25th anniversary of the show, Britain’s Sky TV released a list of the 25 most memorable characters in the history of the show and Lyn made the list.
Known for her feisty personality and larger than life hairstyles, Lyn definitely earns the title of Ramsay Street Icon.
We send our deepest condolences to all of Janet’s friends, family and colleagues.