Holly Valance pays tribute to ‘beautiful’ screen mum
Holly Valance has paid tribute to Neighbours co-star Janet Andrewartha following her death at the age of 72.
Australian actress Andrewartha played hairdresser Lyn Scully for around 20 years from 1999.
Lyn entered the fictional Melbourne neighbourhood of Erinsborough as the mother of Stephanie (Carla Bonner), Felicity (Valance), and Michelle (Kate Keltie), and was married to Joe (Shane Connor).
On X, formerly Twitter, Valance wrote that the loss was “deeply sad”, while sharing an image of the two of them together.
She added: “She was a superb human being who taught me so much from the age of 15. I’ll treasure her last trip to the UK forever. Precious memories I’m so grateful for. A beautiful, talented, hilarious & kind woman.
“I’m so glad it was you who played my mum. You were the real deal. Made us feel safe. And looked after us when we were all so young in the industry. It was an honour to work beside you and call you a friend.”
The Neighbours official account on Instagram said: “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.”
It added that she had “many friendships at Neighbours and one of her most enduring bonds was with Jackie Woodburne”, who played teacher Susan Kennedy.
Woodburne, also known for female inmate soap Prisoner and hospital-set The Young Doctors, said: “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.”
Andrewartha’s character had a storyline where she tries to blackmail businessman Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) over an affair.
Dennis paid tribute, writing: “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.”
Prisoner and Neighbours star Colette Mann said she was “shocked to hear this news”.
She added: “I can only echo Jackie’s words about Janet… brilliant, crazy in the best way, a good friend and great colleague.”
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