Australian actress Joan Sydney has died aged 83.
Sydney, who was known for her roles in A Country Practice and Neighbours, died peacefully on December 28, according to her friend Sally Anne Upton.
The actress played Matron Sloane on A Country Practice in 453 episode between 1983 and 1990.
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In 1989, she won the Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress for her portrayal.
She also starred in E Street, All Saints and Neighbours, the latter in which she played Valda Sheergold as a semi-regular character before becoming a full-time cast member between 2007 and 2008.
Her last role was as Mother Aloysius in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries in 2012.
Sydney, who was born in London and emigrated to Perth, Australia in 1965, had a long career in theatre both in England and in Australia. She was the older sister of actress Maggie King.
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Shane Withington, who played Brendan Jones on A Country Practice, shared a tribute to Sydney on Twitter.
“Oh no.. This is terrible news indeed,” he said. “Comedy is never as easy as it looks and this lady made it look effortless. I adored her. Vale Joan Sydney.”
Sydney will be cremated privately and there will be no funeral or memorial service to attend, Upton said.