Fans ‘extremely saddened’ by the passing of Neighbours and Prisoner star Janet Andrewartha

Neighbours and Prisoner fans have been left mourning following the passing of “phenomenal actress” Janet Andrewartha at the age of 72.

Best known for her roles as Lyn Scully in Neighbours and Reb Keane in Prisoner: Cell Block H, Andrewartha died peacefully surrounded by her family in Melbourne on Friday, July 26 as reported by the Herald Sun.

Social media accounts for Neighbours confirmed her passing, sharing that “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 fondly remembered. Our thoughts are with Janet’s family and loved ones at this time,” a statement from the show read.

Andrewartha, initially a music teacher, transitioned to acting after being asked to stage a musical at her high school. She pursued drama at the National Theatre in Melbourne, graduating in 1979.

Andrewartha’s early career featured a one-woman show, Singing in the Raid, and roles in Carson’s Law and Prisoner, where she portrayed Reb Kean. She was active in Melbourne Theatre Company productions, earning a Green Room Award in 1987.

Her television career included a notable role in the ABC drama Embassy, earning her an AFI nomination. Andrewartha also had significant roles in numerous plays, including Othello, A Happy and Holy Occasion, and Hotel Sorrento.

In 1999, she joined the soap opera Neighbours as Lyn Scully, a role she played until 2006, with several returns until 2011.  She appeared in Seven Types of Ambiguity in 2017 and had recent roles in Safe Home (2023) and Fake (2024).

As fans learnt of Andrewartha’s passing, many took to social media to pay tribute and reflect on her incredible career that spanned over an impressive four decades.

RIP Janet Andrewartha. Known to millions over the world as Reb Kean in Prisoner and Lyn Scully in Neighbours. A phenomenal actress with a career to prove it. pic.twitter.com/2RNp7BZmA7

— Geoff Field 🎤📻 (@GeoffField) July 28, 2024

My earliest #Neighbours memory is of Janet Andrewartha as Lyn Scully. I always hoped she would return again.@CowdenLucinda paid a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to Janet at her Manchester event this evening – and was followed by a round of applause from attendees. A true icon. pic.twitter.com/fdtAHioCct

— Michael Adams (@MichaelAdamsUk) July 28, 2024

It still hasn’t sunk in yet that Janet Andrewartha has passed away. Her camp comedy, the wacky hairstyles, the way she played Lyn as a person always on the edge of having some kind of meltdown. She owned every scene. Remarkable actor. x https://t.co/QWoJ62MfPI

— David Trotter (@trotteruk) July 28, 2024

RIP Janet Andrewartha. When I met her last December, she was a true delight to be around. 😔 Sending love to her family & friends. pic.twitter.com/45kivZ5xkH

— V (@V_Musings) July 28, 2024

Janet Andrewartha, the legendary Lyn Scully. From the moment she blew into Ramsay St like a whirlwind spotting Susan’s split ends, fretting over “Steffie” and calling Toadie “Bull Frog,” it was clear one of those classic #Neighbours characters had been born. My favourite Scully🧡 pic.twitter.com/2NbTxz77E6

— Mark (@mkenn80) July 28, 2024

Extremely saddened to read of the passing of the wonderful Janet Andrewartha (Neighbours ‘ Lyn Scully)
A highly acclaimed stage & screen actress who helped create an icon. My condolences, thoughts and love are with Janet’s family, friends, colleagues and all at “Neighbours” ❤️🫂 pic.twitter.com/1nhcKLAatM

— Jon (@JonnoDew) July 28, 2024

Fellow Neighbours star Jackie Woodburne, beloved for her role as Susan Kennedy on the iconic soap, also paid tribute to her friend of 45 years, expressing how deeply she would miss her.

“Janet was one of the finest actors of her generation, but more than that, she was an extraordinary woman,”  Woodburne said in a statement.

“Passionate, political, curious, delightfully eccentric, generous and fun.”

-with AAP.