Joan Sydney: Neighbours and A Country Practice star dies at 83

At the age of 83, Joan Sydney, who played the lead in the enduring soap operas A Country Practice and Neighbours, passed away.

The British-Australian actor passed away last Wednesday at her home in Sydney following a protracted illness.

Her death was recently reported on Facebook by her longtime friend and fellow performer, Sally-Anne Upton.

In the 1980s, Ms. Sydney portrayed a stern matron named Margaret Sloan in the television series A Country Practice.

At Australia’s annual Logie Awards for television, she was named most outstanding actress for the role.

She joined the cast of Neighbours in 2002 and took on the role of Valda Sheergold.

Ms. Sydney was raised in Wales after being born in London. The Oldham Repertory Theatre served as her acting training ground.

She made her acting debut in the 1957 film version of the English classic When We Are Married at the age of 21. She arrived in Perth, Australia, in 1965, and then moved to New South Wales.

Supporters and other artists paid tribute to the actor on social media.

‘Thank you for all you have taught me, love, friendship, and many moments shared that will be treasured forever,’ Ms. Upton said to Ms. Sydney in a letter for their role as co-stars in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Ms. Sydney’s final television endeavour.

Shane Withington, a co-star on Country Practice, tweeted: “Even though comedy is rarely as simple as it sounds, this woman made it feel simple.” “I thought she was wonderful.”