Number 96 star Carmen Duncan dies aged 76

The entertainment world is in mourning following the sad news that Australian Actress Carmen Duncan has passed away. She was 76.

A spokesperson for St Vincent’s Hospital confirmed to SBS on Sunday afternoon that the beloved Australian icon died after a battle of cancer. She had been receiving treatment at St Vincent’s Sacred Heart Health Service. She had battled cancer several times in her life.

Throughout her career, Duncan appeared in a number of iconic movies and TV shows. In 1973, most Aussies recognised the star for her role as Helen Sheridan on evening soap Number 96.

She also appeared in A Country Practice as Rowena Elliott, Terence Elliott’s wife, as well as a string of other popular shows including Hunter, Certain Women and Skyways. Later in her career, Duncan showcased her acting talents in other popular Aussie shows including All Saints, Water Rats, Always Greener and Winners and Losers.

The star was also known to American audiences, portraying Iris Wheeler on the American soap opera Another World in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. She also starred in an array of films including Harlequin, Touch and Go, Turkey Shoot and Hotel Mumbai.

Devastated stars and fans have taken to social media to pay their respects to the late actress. Her friend, Ian Phipps, shared a photo of the star and a touching message on Twitter.

“Vale to my darling friend Carmen Duncan, a wonderful and beautiful human being inside and out,” he wrote. “Much love to Amelia, Duncan and family.”

Vale to my darling friend Carmen Duncan, a wonderful and beautiful human being inside and out. Much love to Amelia, Duncan and family. pic.twitter.com/t9c1fKJPZJ

— Ian Phipps (@ippublicity) February 3, 2019

Today Extra host David Campbell also paid is respects.

“So sad to hear of the lovely Carmen Duncan passing,” he wrote. “She indeed was a beautiful soul. RIP.”

https://twitter.com/DavidCampbell73/status/1091912837142704128

Here Come the Habibis star Rob Shehadie simply shared a photo of the late actress.

https://twitter.com/robshehadie/status/1091952384169791488

Meanwhile, fans also paid their respects online. One person wrote: “So sad to hear the passing of Carmen Duncan – she was so talented but incredibly generous – was very lucky to MC with her #RIPCarman.”

So sad to hear the passing of Carmen Duncan – she was so talented but incredibly generous – was very lucky to MC with her #RIPCarman pic.twitter.com/V44qVDblZT

— Natalie Forrest (@nat_forrest) February 3, 2019

Another message read: “Vale Carmen Duncan. Actor & former Actors Equity Federal Council member who had lost her battle with cancer. RIP gorgeous, you were all class.”

Vale Carmen Duncan. Actor & former Actors Equity Federal Council member who had lost her battle with cancer. RIP gorgeous, you were all class. pic.twitter.com/vNp8KQUMP3

— Trevor Sinclair AM – Presenter 2UE Breakfast (@TrevorSinclair) February 3, 2019

In addition to her work as an actress, Duncan also made waves as an activist. In 2006m she became a fundraising manager for Go Fund and spent much of her time focused on research and treatment for gynaecological cancer. She was also an Ambassador for the Breast Care Centre at the Royal Hospital for Women.

Do you remember Carmen Duncan? Do you have a message for her family and friends?</3>