Prisoner star Judy McBurney dies, aged 70, following cancer battle

She is best known as one of the stars of hit Aussie TV show Prisoner, but it has been revealed that Judy McBurney sadly passed away on Saturday morning following a four-year battle with cancer.

The 70-year-old actress will be best remembered for her role as Pixie Mason on the popular Network Ten series which was set in the fictional Wentworth Detention Centre, which ran from 1979 to 1986.

News of her death was confirmed in a Facebook post, shared on her official account late on Saturday evening, revealing that McBurney had died in hospital in Sydney at 6.15am earlier that same day.

“My thoughts are going to her family and friends,” the post, written by an account administrator. “She will be sadly missed by so many people around the world.”

Tributes poured in for the late actress online, with one fan writing: “Terribly sad news to lose an actress who lit up the screen with such positive energy. RIP Judy and I hope your friends, family and loved ones can take comfort in the knowledge you gave so many people so much pleasure over the years in your work, and will continue to do so for many years to come.”

One said: “Thank you for all the memories and legacy you have left us, love to you and your family. I’m going to listen to “pixies song now” may you rest in peace shine bright.”

While several family members also paid tribute online, with one saying: “Rest In Peace my beautiful cousin, may you forever rest in Gods love.”

Another cousin wrote: “We have watched Jude bravely fight this cancer over the last 3 or 4 years. She was a lovely loving generous person . Jude was my cousin but she always called me Auntie and my husband Ian Uncle . We love you Jude you will always be in our hearts.”

Read more: Where are Prisoner cast now? Queen Bea, The Freak and more transformations.

McBurney’s character Pixie, whose real name was Sandra Louise Mason, was admitted to Wentworth on charges of bigamy and fraud, initially sentenced to five years behind bars for her crimes.

She starred in the show, which became a huge hit due to its portrayal of life inside a women’s minimum-security prison, for two years between 1983 and 1985.

The actress went on to star in the likes of The Young Doctors, A Country Practice and Home and Away, before retiring from acting in the early 1990s.

Were you a fan of Prisoner? Do you have a message of condolence for Judy’s family?