Beloved Neighbours star passes away
Janet Andrewartha, best known for her role as Lyn Scully on Neighbours has passed away aged 72.
Social media accounts for the show confirmed her death on Sunday night.
"Everyone at Neighbours is deeply saddened by the passing of Janet Andrewartha," they said in the statement.
"Janet will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts are with Janet’s family and loved ones at this time."
Andrewartha started her career as a music teacher before rising to prominence in the early 198-s after starring in Aussie TV and theatre productions.
Tributes have poured in from former cast members, with fellow actress Jackie Woodburne, who plays Susan Kennedy on Neighbours, describing her as "one of the finest actors of her generation", saying that she will miss Andrewartha "every day".
"She was an extraordinary woman," said.
“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.”
Stefan Dennis, known for playing Paul Robinson on Neighbours, shared a similar sentiment.
“So very upset to lose the lovely Janet. As Jackie said, she truly was an exceptional actress who was a pleasure work with and to be around. We will all miss you dear girl,” he wrote on the social media post.
Lucinda Cowden, who plays Melanie Pearson on the show, said: “I remember when I first saw her on Prisoner... she lit up the screen, and continued to grace us with her exceptional talent in so many interesting and unique characters. Vale Janet."
“So very sad to hear this news, such a memorable actress who performed her role effortlessly,” Candice Leask, who plays Wendy Rodwell said.
Former Neighbours casting director Jan Russ also shared his devastation.
“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,” he began on social media.
“(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," he continued.
“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.”
Andrewartha reportedly died peacefully surrounded by family in Melbourne on Friday, according to The Herald Sun.
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