Sheila Kennelly, best known for her appearances in Australian soap Home and Away, has died aged 88.
The British actress starred in the original cast as Floss McPhee, a retired pensioner who had left behind the ever-changing life of a carnival worker.
Andrew Mercado, a TV historian, confirmed her death on social media, saying she died the way she always wanted: ‘Falling off the twig as she would say, on her beloved farm in the Hunter Valley’.
He added: ‘She was surrounded by her dogs and dear family who looked after her so lovingly in her final days.
‘Sheila starred as several iconic characters in some of Aussie TV’s biggest shows, including wig-wearing barmaid Norma Whittaker in Number 96 who called everyone ‘ducky’, jolly Italian mother-in-law Rosa in Kingwood Country, and the carnival worker in the caravan Floss from the original cast of Home and Away.’
Mercado noted that Kennelly was the ‘last one standing’ of a ‘special friend group’, which included fellow Number 96 stars Carol Raye, Elaine Lee, and Elizabeth Kirkby.
He continued: ‘I have no doubt they are all now having a lovely reunion with each other.’
Kennelly had begun her career on stage in 1958, working with various companies before appearing in a tour with A View from the Bridge.
She then moved into TV and became a staple of soaps and comedy roles in her near 50-year career.
Despite gaining recognition for her comedy, Kennelly once said she had hoped to become a serious actor in plays by Arthur Miller and Bertolt Brecht.
In 1987, her soap fate was sealed when she turned down a role in Evil Angels alongside Meryl Streep for brand new soap Home and Away.
She remained with the show for the first year but was written out – with a few cameo appearances – after that.
Kennelly went on to guest star in shows like Hampton Court, Big Sky, and All Saints before retiring in 2008.
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