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Janet Andrewartha
Janet Andrewartha
Played: Lyn Scully
Appeared: 1999-2006, 2008, 2009-2011, 2016, 2017-2018, 2019
Born in California, USA on September 16th 1952, later moving to Australia, Janet Andrewartha was to become a familiar face on Australian television screens. Settling in Melbourne, Victoria, Janet trained at the National Theatre Drama School, graduating a year ahead of her later Neighbours co-star, Jackie Woodburne.
After brief appearances in Patrol Boat and Carson’s Law, came Janet’s first major role as Reb Kean in Prisoner (UK title - Prisoner: Cell Block H), daughter of fellow convict Deirdre, played by Anne Charleston, whom Janet would act alongside again some 15 years later in Neighbours.
Appearances in film, Ground Zero and popular series, A Country Practice and Blue Heelers soon followed and in 1999, Janet was cast as Lyn Scully the matriarch of new Neighbours family, the Scullys, a role which Janet would play for seven years, before departing in late 2006.
A member of the Melbourne Theatre Company, Janet has featured in many productions, including Green Room Award winning roles in Othello and Tom & Viv. Since leaving Neighbours, Janet has focused on her theatre work, most notably playing the lead in the MTC’s production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons alongside John Stanton.
In January 2008, Janet announced at a Neighbours fan night that she was to return to Ramsay Street, later revealing to a member of our team
that she would be filming for a month. In late May, Lyn made her return, appearing in eight episodes. She would return again in 2009, remaining a part of
the regular cast until 2011, and would go on to have further guest stints as Lyn in 2016, 2017 and 2019.
Janet passed away in July 2024, with her good friend Jackie Woodburne paying the following tribute: "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."
Profile by Callum
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