Neighbours legend Janet Andrewartha dies as heartbroken fans pay tribute to Lyn Scully actress
Australian actress Janet Andrewartha has died aged 72, with Neighbours paying tribute to her on social media
Neighbours actress Janet Andrewartha has died aged 72.
Janet, who is best known for playing Lyn Scully in the long-running Australian soap, died in Melbourne on Friday with her daughters Eloise and Sarah by her side. The news of her death was announced on Sunday, with the soap series she starred in paying tribute on social media.
"Everyone at Neighbours is deeply saddened by the passing of Janet Andrewartha," they wrote. "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."
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They continued: "Janet had many friendships at Neighbours and one of her most enduring bonds was with Jackie Woodburne, who shared the following words: '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.' Our thoughts are with Janet’s family and loved ones at this time."
Friends and fans rushed to the comment section to pay tribute to the soap legend, with fellow Neighbours co-star Stefan Dennis, who plays cold-hearted businessman Paul Robinson, commenting: "So very upset to lose the lovely Janet. As Jackie said, she truly was an exceptional actress who was a pleasure to work with and to be around. We will all miss you, dear girl."
Colette Mann said: "I was so shocked to hear this news yesterday and I can only echo Jackie's words about Janet… brilliant, crazy in the best way, a good friend and great colleague. Vale Ms Janet my friend." One heartbroken fan said: "This is so sad, just watched her in "Fake", small part but was good and looked well!" while another posted: "I remember watching Scully’s first episode back in 1999/2000. Rest In Peace, Janet."
"Such sad news to wake up to, Janet playing Lyn in Neighbours was great in so many ways, a great character too & will be missed. Much love to all her family & friends," one follower added. Janet started her fruitful career as a music teacher before she enrolled in drama school.
She graduated in 1979 before landing television roles. In 1981, she toured her one-woman theatre show in Melbourne, titled Singing in the Raid. A year later, Janet had the opportunity to perform her show at the National Theatre. One of her earliest TV roles was in an episode of Carson's Law in 1983. The star also took on the role of Iris in the production Framework at the Universal Theatre. In 1984, she landed the role of Reb Kean in the drama series Prisoner.
Her character was written out of the series but she reprised the role in 1985. The actress starred in many productions for the Melbourne Theatre Company. She played in Tom & Viv and won leading actress in the 1987 Green Room Awards. Janet played Marion Stewart in the ABC drama series Embassy, which saw her playing the strong wife of an Australian ambassador. She was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Television Drama at the 1991 Australian Film Institute Awards.
It was in 1999 that she joined Neighbours as Lyn. She stayed for seven years and returned to theatre productions. However, she came back to the show in 2008 and in 2009, remaining for another two years. Janet left again in 2011 but reprised her role in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Her final roles included playing Diana Thompson in Safe Home and Kath Tovey in Fake this year.
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