Neighbours actress Janet Andrewartha dies aged 72 as tributes pour in for 'extraordinary' star
Janet Andrewartha has died at the age of 72 as tributes from Neighbours co-stars flood in
NEIGHBOURS
Janet Andrewartha has died at the age of 72, Australian soap Neighbours has confirmed on its social media outlets.
The actress was best known for taking on the role of Lyn Scully on Ramsay Street, first landing the role back in 1999.
She departed the soap two decades later in 2019 and was involved in many talked-about storylines alongside on-screen family Stephanie (played Carla Bonner), Felicity (Holly Valance), Michelle (Kate Keltie), and husband to Joe (Shane Connor).
On Instagram and X, the Neighbours verified accounts paid tribute to the actress but stopped short of revealing a cause of death.
Alongside a snap of Andrewartha as Lyn, the account penned: "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 remembered for her wide body of work, which includes her memorable turn as Reb Keane in Prisoner: Cell Block H.
Janet Andrewartha as Lyn Scully in the Australian soap
CHANNEL 5/FREMANTLE
"Janet had many friendships at Neighbours and one of her most enduring bonds was with Jackie Woodburne."
Woodburne's tribute followed which read: "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."
The Neighbours account signed off: "Our thoughts are with Janet’s family and loved ones at this time."
After sharing the sad news with the public, several of Andrewartha's colleagues, friends and fans from around the globe flooded the post with their condolences.
Neighbours star Stefan Dennis, known for playing mean businessman Paul Robinson on Ramsay Street, took to the comments to write: "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."
Another Neighbours regular in the form of Lucinda Cowden also replied: "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."
Elsewhere, a fan weighed in: "I feel so saddened to learn of Janet’s death. I have watched Neighbours from the beginning and remember her character well. R I P Janet and sending condolences to all who knew her."
And a second echoed: "Lyn Scully was a joy to watch. So sad that Janet has gone too soon. My sincere condolences to all of her family and friends x."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Holly Valance played the role of Andrewarth's character's daughter on the soap
STUART MITCHELL/GB NEWS"Oh. This is sad. She was the mum I preferred on Ramsay St in the 2000s. She called Toadie 'Bullfrog'. That always made me laugh," a third commented.
While a fourth paid tribute: "This is such a shock and terrible sad news, sending love to all Janet's family and friends." (sic)
As well as Neighbours, Andrewartha's CV boasted numerous roles in some of Australia's biggest series.
Just last year she starred in the thriller series Fake while also enjoying stints on Harrow, Seven Types of Ambiguity, Moby Dick, Embassy, Blue Heelers and State Corner.