Janet Andrewartha, star of Beloved Neighbours and Prisoner, dies at age 72
Australian actress Janet Andrewartha has died at the age of 72.
The Neighbours star passed away peacefully in Melbourne on Friday, surrounded by her daughters Eloise and Sarah.
Her death was announced on Sunday, as the soap opera in which she rose to fame for her role as Lyn Scully shared a moving tribute on Instagram.
“Everyone at Neighbours is deeply saddened by the passing of Janet Andrewartha,” the message reads.
‘Janet was loved by viewers for her role as Lyn Scully in Ramsay Street, but will be remembered for her extensive body of work, including her memorable role as Reb Keane in Prisoner: Cell Block H.’
The post also included some heartbreaking words from one of Janet’s best friends and Neighbours colleague Jackie Woodburne.
“Janet was one of the finest actors of her generation, but above all she was an extraordinary woman,” she wrote.
“Passionate, political, curious, delightfully eccentric, generous and fun. She was my loyal friend for over 45 years. I will miss her every day.”
Australian actress Janet Andrewartha has died at the age of 72
Janet has worked in the arts and entertainment industry her entire life, starting her career as a music teacher and then going on to drama school.
Immediately after graduating, she got several roles in television and theater programs. Her best-known roles were in Neighbours and Prisoner.
Janet starred in the Channel Ten show from 1999 to 2006, after which she appeared on and off until 2019.
The Neighbours star passed away peacefully in Melbourne on Friday with her daughters Eloise and Sarah by her side. Pictured on Neighbours alongside co-star Stefan Dennis
Janet’s Neighbours co-stars expressed their condolences as they mourned the loss of their beloved friend and colleague
The actress appeared in several other television shows throughout her decades-long career, including brief appearances on Blue Heeler and A Country Practice.
She recently starred as Kath Tovey in the Paramount+ series Fake opposite Asher Keddie.
Janet also worked extensively in theatre, appearing in several productions with the Melbourne Theatre Company and the Playbox Theatre Company.
Janet’s Neighbours co-stars expressed their condolences as they mourned the loss of their beloved friend and colleague.
Stefan Dennis wrote: ‘So very sad to lose the beautiful Janet. As Jackie said, she was truly an exceptional actress who was a pleasure to work with and be with. We will all miss you, sweet girl.’
Meanwhile, Colette Mann said: ‘I was so shocked to hear this news yesterday and can only echo Jackie’s words about Janet… brilliant, crazy in the best way, a great friend and wonderful colleague. Vale Ms Janet my friend.’
