Janet Andrewartha
{{Short description|Australian actress (1951–2024)}}
{{Use Australian English|date=July 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Janet Andrewartha
| image = Cropped_Photo_of_Janet_Andrewartha.jpg
| caption =
| birthname =
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1951|9|16}}
| birth_place = Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|2024|7|26|1951|9|16}}
| death_place = Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| othername =
| occupation = Actress
| known_for = Neighbours as Lyn Scully
Prisoner as Rebecca "Reb" Kean
| yearsactive = 1979–2024
| awards =
}}
Janet Andrewartha (16 September 1951 – 26 July 2024) was an Australian television and theatre actress and director and singer. Andrewartha began her career as a high school music teacher before attending drama school. She graduated in 1979 and began securing television and theatre roles.
Andrewartha's most significant roles were in Australian television series, most prominently Rebecca "Reb" Kean in Prisoner and Lyn Scully in the soap opera Neighbours.
Outside of television she actively pursued a theatre career starting in the early 1980's and performed in the genre for over four decades, working in numerous productions with the Melbourne Theatre Company, Playbox Theatre Company and numerous others.{{cite web|url=https://ausstage.edu.au/pages/contributor/4433|title=Janet Andrewartha|work=AusStage}}
Early life
Andrewartha was born in Melbourne, Victoria. In her early life, Andrewartha did not plan to become an actress and worked as a music teacher. While she worked in a high school, the principal asked Andrewartha to stage an end of year musical with her year 10 classes.{{cite interview|last1=Andrewartha|first1=Janet|last2=Dennis|first2=Stefan|subject-link2=Stefan Dennis|title=Neighbours Q&A – Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson) & Janet Andrewartha (Lyn Scully)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm-peh8c-pk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/gm-peh8c-pk |archive-date=13 December 2021 |url-status=live|work=Neighbours|location=Melbourne, Victoria|date=30 January 2016|access-date=17 May 2020}}{{cbignore}} She knew nothing about theatre and was asked to study to aid the production. Andrewartha took a part-time drama course and after one year decided to quit teaching to pursue acting full-time. She attended a three-year drama school course at the National Theatre in Melbourne. Andrewartha graduated from the National Theatre in 1979.{{cite web |title=The National Theatre Drama School – Graduates |url=http://www.nationaltheatre.org.au/drama/graduates.html |website=nationaltheatre.org.au |access-date=16 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829093556/http://www.nationaltheatre.org.au/drama/graduates.html |archive-date=29 August 2007}}
Career
=Theatre=
In 1981, Andrewartha toured her one-woman theatre show in Melbourne titled, Singing in the Raid.{{cite web |last=Weiniger |first=Peter |title=Solo...only so long |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51657044/ |website=The Age |access-date=19 May 2020 |date=6 September 1982|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} In 1982, she got to perform her show at the National Theatre.{{cite web |last=Westwood |first=John |title=Actress sells her Victorian cottage |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51659683/ |website=The Age |access-date=19 May 2020 |date=31 October 1986|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite web |last=Knox |first=David |title=Ramsay Street's resident whirlwind |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2010/05/ramsay-streets-residentwhirlwind.html |website=TV Tonight |date=13 May 2010 |access-date=19 May 2020}} She played Iris in the production Framework at the Universal Theatre, in Fitzroy.{{cite web |last=Hawker |first=Phillippa |title=Theatre |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51657576/ |website=The Age |access-date=19 May 2020 |date=25 April 1983|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} in 1984 she took the role of Polly in the Victorian arts centre production of The Three-penny Opera.{{cite web |last=Clarke |first=Anthony |title=Blundell launches new season |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51657914/ |website=The Age |access-date=19 May 2020 |date=20 July 1984|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}
In 1985, she took roles in Russell Street Theatre productions. She acted in Barry Dickins' Reservoir by Night and in Shirley Gee's Never in My Lifetime opposite Kevin Harrington.{{cite web |last=Radic |first=Leonard |title=Dickins takes a walk down a suburban memory lane |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51658492/ |website=The Age |date=11 April 1985|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite web |last=Radic |first=Leonard |title=Life behind the headlines in unhappy Ulster |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51658595/ |website=The Age |date=3 October 1985|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} Her Prisoner character Reb was written out of the series but Andrewartha reprised the role in June 1985.{{cite web |title=News & views |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51659003/ |website=The Age |access-date=19 May 2020 |date=27 June 1985|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}
Andrewartha continued working with the Melbourne Theatre Company on several productions, including a role in the Australian outing of Tom & Viv. For her portrayal of the role, Andrewartha won a leading actress accolade the 1987 Green Room Awards.{{cite web |title=Arts & books |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51795208/ |website=The Age |access-date=21 May 2020 |date=28 February 1987|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} In 1988, she took the role of Great Aunt Dinah in Tristram Shandy and Joan Dinkum Assorted.{{cite web |title=The Age, Friday 26 February 1988 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51795372/ |website=The Age |access-date=21 May 2020 |date=26 February 1988|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite web |title=Dinkum war of the sexes |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51795401/ |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=21 May 2020 |date=5 June 1988|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite web |last=Murdoch |first=Anna |title='Dinkum' war of liberation for Australian women |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51795434/ |website=The Age |access-date=21 May 2020 |date=26 July 1988|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite web |last=Hooks |first=Barbara |title=A make-believe world is still a man's world |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51345838/ |website=The Age |access-date=16 May 2020 |date=25 September 1991|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite web |title=Past Awards |url=https://www.aacta.org/aacta-awards/past-awards/range/1990-1999/year/1991/ |website=AACTA |access-date=16 May 2020}}
Despite her success, Andrewartha was not asked to return for the show's last series and she resumed her work with the Melbourne Theatre Company. In 1991, she played Sandra in another Melbourne Theatre Company production, Sunday Lunch; she also took the lead role of investigative journalist Jean in Michael Gurr's Sex Diary of an Infidel.{{cite web |last=Larkin |first=John |title=One Sunday lunch that goes too far |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51931205/ |website=The Age |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=6 October 1991|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite web |last=Daly |first=Mike |title=Home-grown productions to dominate Playbox season |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51931243/ |website=The Age |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=24 October 1991|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} During the 1992 season, Andrewartha played the lead role of Emilia in Othello.{{cite web |title=Othello |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51931308/ |website=The Age |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=2 May 1992|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite web |last=Larkin |first=John |title=Malice, madness, murder, but minus depth |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51931358/ |website=The Age |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=17 May 1992|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} In 1993, she took a role playing barmaid Breda in A Happy and Holy Occasion and later played Lisa in The Garden of Granddaughters.{{cite web |last=Larkin |first=John |title=Strong performances fail to counter inherent flaws |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51931518/ |website=The Age |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=7 March 1993|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite web |last=Larkin |first=John |title=Too many messages spoil the plot |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51931406/ |website=The Age |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=25 April 1993|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} Andrewartha played Caroline in another play by Gurr, titled Underwear, Perfume and Crash Helmet, which debuted in 1994.{{cite web |last=Larkin |first=John |title=Taking the Tories to task |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51931660/ |website=The Age |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=17 July 1994|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite web |last=Gill |first=Raymond |title=Six actors trapped on stage, surrounded by the big issues |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51931682/ |website=The Age |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=12 July 1994|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} In the 1995 season she took the role of Mary Margaret in Good Works.{{cite web |last=Carroll |first=Steven |title='Good Works' is a play true to title |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51931795/ |website=The Age |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=18 June 1995|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} Her 1997 theatre roles included a part in the Sydney Theatre Company collaboration Jerusalem and Isola in Navigating.{{cite web |last=Rose |first=Colin |title=To be digested slowly |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51934816/ |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=30 May 1997|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite web |last=Thomson |first=Helen |title=Plotting a moral course |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51934665/ |website=The Age |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=14 November 1997|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} In 1998, she secured the role in Hotel Sorrento and she later played Liz in Rising Fish Prayer.{{cite web |title=Living pass |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51935035/ |website=The Age |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=30 July 1998|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite web |last=Payne |first=Pamela |title=Tainted gold |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51934959/ |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=25 October 1998|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} That year, Andrewartha also directed a theatre production titled Neon Angel.{{cite web |title=The arts directory |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51935112/ |website=The Age |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=13 November 1998|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}
=Television=
Andrewartha although had an extensive career in theatre, starting appearing in television role in the early 1980, with an early role in court drama Carson's Law, she became known internationally however in her early career for her television role in the cult drama series Prisoner joining the cast in 1984 as rebellious biker Rebecca "Reb" Kean.
In 1990-1991 she took a role in drama serial Embassy as Marion Stewart, the strong wife of an Australian ambassador. For her role of Marion, she was nominated an Australian Film Institute Award for "Best Performance by an Actress in A leading Role in a Television Drama" at the 1991 Australian film institute awards(the forerunner of what is now the AACTA Awards)
In 1999, Andrewartha joined the cast of the soap opera Neighbours, playing the role of Lyn Scully.{{cite web|url=http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/TV/mag/news/AustralianNews/NeighboursRockedByNewFamily.html|title=Neighbours rocked by new family|date=6 October 1999|work=eBroadcast|access-date=16 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923232823/http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/TV/mag/news/AustralianNews/NeighboursRockedByNewFamily.html|archive-date=23 September 2015}} Andrewartha left the show in 2006. She immediately resumed working in theatre. In 2007, Andrewartha took a hiatus from acting while she helped care for her ill mother, until her death in January 2008. She also used the time off to help her daughter with her education. She later returned to Neighbours for a guest role in 2008 and once again in 2009 and remained with Neighbours for another two years.{{cite web |last=Rowe |first=Darren |title=Lyn Robinson returns to Ramsay Street |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a157254/lyn-robinson-returns-to-ramsay-street/ |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |access-date=16 May 2020 |date=27 May 2009}}{{cite web |last=Kilkelly |first=Daniel |title=Janet Andrewartha to leave 'Neighbours' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a313906/janet-andrewartha-to-leave-neighbours/ |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |access-date=16 May 2020 |date=11 April 2011}} In 2011, Andrewartha decided to leave the series once again. She stated that she was only supposed to return in a guest role and ended up staying on. Andrewartha chose to leave to pursue other acting roles. The actress later reprised the role for further guest roles in 2016, 2017 and 2019.{{cite web |last=Fletcher |first=Harry |title=Lyn Scully is returning to Neighbours in 2016 |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a776287/neighbours-lyn-scully-is-returning-to-ramsay-street-in-2016/ |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |access-date=16 May 2020 |date=4 December 2015}}{{cite web |last=Kilkelly |first=Daniel |title=Neighbours return story revealed for Lyn Scully |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a842322/neighbours-spoilers-cast-changes-lyn-scully-return/ |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |access-date=16 May 2020 |date=6 November 2017}}{{cite web |last=Kilkelly |first=Daniel |title=Neighbours confirms return for Lyn Scully |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a28728785/neighbours-spoilers-lyn-scully-janet-andrewartha-return/ |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |access-date=16 May 2020 |date=18 August 2019}}
In 2017, Andrewartha joined the cast of Seven Types of Ambiguity in the recurring role of Kathleen.{{cite web|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2017/04/seven-types-of-ambiguity.html|title=Seven Types of Ambiguity|last=Knox|first=David|date=6 April 2017|publisher=TV Tonight|access-date=6 May 2018}} Her most recent roles were in 2023 in the SBS drama miniseries Safe Home as Diana and her last role was in 2024 Paramount+ thriller Fake as Kath Tovey.{{Cite web |title=Safe Home (2023) - The Screen Guide - Screen Australia |url=https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/the-screen-guide/t/safe-home-2023/40315/ |access-date=19 July 2022 |website=screenaustralia.gov.au}}{{cite web|last=Siemienowicz|first=Rochelle|title=Fake, Paramount+ streaming preview: Asher Keddie and David Wenham in love scam thriller|url=https://www.screenhub.com.au/news/news/fake-paramount-streaming-preview-asher-keddies-producing-debut-2643540/|date=6 June 2024|website=ScreenHub|publisher=Creative Hubs Group|access-date=6 July 2024|language=en-AU}}
Death and tributes
Andrewartha died in her sleep in Melbourne, Australia on 26 July 2024 at the age of 72, within three months of receiving a cancer diagnosis.{{Cite news |author=Staff Writer |date=2024-07-30 |title=Janet Andrewartha was a magical actor to watch – and a beautiful, classy friend |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/jul/30/janet-andrewartha-death-age-72-neighbours-prisoner-cast-tributes?CMP=twt_a-culture_b-gdnculture |access-date=2024-08-22 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}
Neighbours co-star and friend Jackie Woodburne paid tribute, saying she "was one of the finest actors of a generation. I will miss her every day".{{Cite web |last=Quadri |first=Sami |date=28 July 2024 |title=Neighbours legend Janet Andrewartha dies aged 72 |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/neighbours-legend-janet-andrewartha-dies-age-72-b1173288.html |access-date=28 July 2024 |website=Evening Standard}} Stefan Dennis, Jason Herbison, Holly Valance, Carla Bonner also paid tribute as well as casting director Jan Russ, Jane Hall and Lucinda Cowden.
Stefan Dennis said he was: "So very upset to lose the lovely Janet. She truly was an exceptional actress who was a pleasure to work with and to be around. We will all miss you dear girl."{{Cite web |last=Gallagher |first=Charlotte |date=2024-07-28 |title=Neighbours star Janet Andrewartha who played Lyn Scully dies |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crgrve07pq8o |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}
Filmography
{{unreferenced section|date=July 2024}}
=Film=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |
| 1987
| New neighbour | Feature film |
| 1995
| Sticktoitiveness | | Short film |
| 1998
| Amy | Singing receptionist | Feature film |
| | Ruthven
| The Bride | |
=Television=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |
| 1979
| Uncredited | TV series, guest role |
| 1983
| Phoebe King | TV series, 1 episode |
| 1983
| Home | Bellamy | TV series, 1 episode |
| 1984–1985
| Prisoner | Reb Kean | TV series, 94 episodes |
| 1989
| Pat | TV miniseries, 1 episode |
| 1990–1991
| Embassy | Marion Stewart | TV series, 25 episodes |
| 1991; 1993
| Lisa Davis | TV series, 2 episodes |
| 1995
| Janus | Anna | TV series, 1 episode |
| 1994–1995
| Det. Bridget Ryan | TV series, 2 episodes |
| 1997
| Eileen Hardy | TV series, 1 episode |
| 1998
| Ahab's wife (uncredited) | TV miniseries, episode 1 |
| 1999–2006, 2008–2011, 2016–2017, 2019 | TV series, 1059 episodes |
| 2017
| Kathleen | TV miniseries, 4 episodes |
| 2021
| Harrow | Mrs Peek | TV series, 1 episode |
| 2023
| Diana Thompson | TV miniseries, 4 episodes |
| 2024
| Fake | Kath Tovey | TV series, 8 episodes (final role) |
Stage
=As performer=
=As director=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes | |||
| 1996 | Burning Time | Assistant Director | Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne with Playbox Theatre Company & Black Swan State Theatre Company |
| Our Country’s Good | Director | National Theatre Drama School | |
| Don’s Party | Director | National Theatre Drama School |
{{cite web | url=https://ausstage.edu.au/pages/contributor/4433 | title=AusStage }}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb name|0028548}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Andrewartha, Janet}}
Category:Australian film actresses
Category:Australian soap opera actresses
Category:20th-century Australian actresses
Category:21st-century Australian actresses
Category:Australian musical theatre actresses