Award-winning actress Joan Sydney has passed away at age 83.
The Neighbours and A Country Practice star died peacefully on December 28, according to her friend, Wentworth star Sally-Anne Upton, who wrote in a tribute, “Thank you for all you have taught me. Love, friendship, many memories shared that will be treasured forever.”
After moving from London to Australia in 1965, Joan became a beloved star after appearing on several Australian TV shows.
She soon became a household name as Matron Sloane on A Country Practice, featuring in 453 episodes between 1983 and 1990.
The long-running role earned her the Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress in 1989.
Sydney’s career continued to excel as Mary Patchett in E Street, Mary Price in All Saints and Valda Sheergold on Neighbours in 2002.
The actress was a semi-regular character on Ramsay Street before becoming a full-time member of the cast between 2007 and 2008.
Sydney’s impressive list of TV credits also included Mother and Son, Something In The Air, and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, while she appeared on stage in a number of productions such as My Fair Lady, Equus, Hello Dolly, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and The Importance of Being Ernest.
Friends, fans and former co-stars of the actress took to social media to share heartfelt tributes following news of her passing.
“Oh no… This is terrible news indeed. Comedy is never as easy as it looks and this lady made it look effortless. I adored her. Vale Joan Sydney,” wrote A Country Practice star Shane Withington.
Image credits: Twitter / Getty Images
