The Australian soap opera, Neighbours, has announced the loss of Janet Andrewartha, an actress best recognised for playing the character Lyn Scully, at the age of 72. Andrewartha was an integral part of the show for approximately two decades, from 1999, embodying hairdresser Lyn Scully – mother to Stephanie (Carla Bonner), Felicity (Holly Valance), and Michelle (Kate Keltie) and wife to Joe (Shane Connor).
Neighbours officially marked the event on Instagram, expressing their profound sorrow at Andrewartha’s passing and acknowledging her significant contribution as Lyn Scully of Ramsay Street. The tribute also highlighted her other memorable performance as Reb Keane in Prisoner. Andrewartha formed numerous friendships during her time on the show, with actress Jackie Woodburne, who portrayed Susan Kennedy the teacher, forming a particularly close relationship lasting over 45 years.
Woodburne, alongside acting in Prisoner and The Young Doctors, recognised Andrewartha as an exceptional woman beyond just her talent as an actress, describing her as passionate, politically-minded, delightfully peculiar, and generous. Woodburne also expressed that Andrewartha’s death will leave a void in her life.
In response to Woodburne’s post, Stefan Dennis, who plays business tycoon Paul Robinson in Neighbours, expressed his distress at losing his cherished colleague. He affirmed that working with Andrewartha was a joy and that she will be sorely missed.
Colette Mann, also of Neighbours and Prisoner fame, admitted surprise at the news of Andrewartha’s passing. She echoed Woodburne’s sentiment, describing Andrewartha as wonderfully unique and noting her importance as a good friend and excellent colleague.