Tributes have been paid to Neighbours actor Janet Andrewartha, who has died aged 72.
The actor, who appeared as Lyn Scully in Neighbours and Reb Keane in Prisoner: Cell Block, died peacefully at her home in Melbourne last Friday (July 26), surrounded by her family (via The Herald Sun). A cause of death has not been shared at the time of writing.
The news was also shared across Neighbours’ social media accounts. “Everyone at Neighbours is deeply saddened by the passing of Janet Andrewartha,” a post on the account read. “Beloved by viewers for her role as Ramsay Street’s Lyn Scully, Janet will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts are with Janet’s family and loved ones at this time.”
Everyone at Neighbours is deeply saddened by the passing of Janet Andrewartha. Beloved by viewers for her role as Ramsay Street’s Lyn Scully, Janet will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts are with Janet’s family and loved ones at this time. pic.twitter.com/tBWlE8iTZ5
— Neighbours (@neighbours) July 28, 2024
Andrewartha had appeared in many Australian television and theatre productions since the early ‘80s, and returned to Neighbours multiple times over the years after her initial seven-year period on the show.
Jackie Woodburne, known for playing Susan Kennedy on the long-running soap, was one of those paying tribute.
“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,” she said in a statement that was shared via the Neighbours Instagram account.
The show’s executive producer, Jason Herbison, also revealed he had planned to reintroduce Lyn Scully back into the show while paying tribute to her.
Speaking on 10 News First in Australia (via Ramsay Street.co.uk), he shared: “I had ambitions to bring Lyn back into the show at some point soon, so we’re very sad that we are not going to be able to do that.”
Her former Neighbours co-star Stefan Dennis, who played Paul Robinson on the show, also paid tribute to her alongside Herbison.
“I got to work with one of the most under-rated actresses in Australia. She was absolutely astonishing to work with.” Dennis said of his co-star.
“She had this ability to give you everything through her eyes without doing too much else and she would just bring a scene alive.”
Tributes to Andrewartha have poured in on social media since news of her passing was announced. Holly Valance, who played one of her daughters on the show, shared on X/Twitter: “Deeply sad losing Janet Andrewartha. She was a superb human being who taught me so much from the age of 15.
“I’ll treasure her last trip to the UK forever. Precious memories I’m so grateful for. A beautiful, talented, hilarious & kind woman.
“I’m so glad it was you who played my Mum. You were the real deal. Made us feel safe. And looked after us when we were all so young in the industry. It was an honour to work beside you and call you a friend. X.”
You can see some of the many tributes to Andrewartha here:
Deeply sad losing Janet Andrewartha. She was a superb human being who taught me so much from the age of 15. I'll treasure her last trip to the UK forever. Precious memories I'm so grateful for. A beautiful, talented, hilarious & kind woman.
I'm so glad it was you who played my… pic.twitter.com/WYzSbCcxqU— Holly Candy (@hollycandy) July 28, 2024
RIP Janet Andrewartha. You played one of #Neighbours most iconic characters. You imbued Lyn with so much heart, humour and warmth and made her a true Ramsay Street legend. You will be greatly missed. https://t.co/g9jDRKuCHC
— David (@MrDavid_885) July 28, 2024
RIP Janet Andrewartha. When I met her last December, she was a true delight to be around.
Sending love to her family & friends. pic.twitter.com/45kivZ5xkH
— V (@V_Musings) July 28, 2024
Very sad to hear about the passing of Janet Andrewartha. From Reb in Prisoner to hairdresser Lyn Scully in Neighbours. Ramsay St won’t be the same without her. #Neighbours pic.twitter.com/YCrddpUJZ7
— Brian Peel (@Brian_Peel) July 29, 2024
RIP Janet Andrewartha. Known to millions over the world as Reb Kean in Prisoner and Lyn Scully in Neighbours. A phenomenal actress with a career to prove it. pic.twitter.com/2RNp7BZmA7
— Geoff Field
(@GeoffField) July 28, 2024
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