Alan Fletcher has led tributes to Joan Sydney, who has died aged 86.
Alan Fletcher has led tributes to Joan Sydney, who has died aged 86
The late actress starred as recurring 'Neighbours' character Valda Sheergold - the mother of Lyn Scully (Janet Andrewartha) - and Alan, who portrays Dr. Karl Kennedy in the Australian soap, has remembered Joan as an inspiration to him during his younger years.
He wrote on Instagram: "Vale the luminous Joan Sydney. Her work was an inspiration to me as a young actor in the 70’s in Perth theatre days. She was loved dearly by all who knew her and had the pleasure to work with her. We had the happiest of days working together on @neighbours. Farewell beautiful spirit. #valdasheergold #countrypractice (sic)"
After starting out locally in theatre, Joan - who was born in Sydney - was also known for portraying Maggie Sloane in Australian soap 'A Country Practice', and she appeared in 'E Street' as publican Mary Patchett.
Joan's friend Sally-Anne Upton confirmed the star "passed away peacefully" late last month.
She wrote on Facebook: "My darling colleague and longtime friend Joan Sydney passed away peacefully last Wednesday 29th Dec 2022 and I want to pay tribute to her.
My first introduction to Joan was when she portrayed the delightful character of Matron Maggie Sloane in ‘A County Practice’.
But I personally first met Joan through Anne Phelan when we were putting together Nightingala a fundraiser for the Australian Nurses Federation (Vic Branch) in the 90’s. I asked Joan if she would appear as Matron Solane and at first she was very reluctant. She thought it wouldn’t work, as Wandin Valley had been a long time off our screen and I said “Are you kidding me, everyone will know who you are and it will be the highlight of the show.” and sure enough, as I’m MC ING the second half, she appeared through the curtain in her White Nurses uniform and 70’s Nurses cap, no words spoken and brought the house down!
Later in the green room, she was still in shock, of the response “WELL I NEVER!”
She gave me her uniform and cap and told me to use it for my Nursing Stand up gigs, which I wore with such pride and still have in my wardrobe today.
Our friendship blossomed and I would delight in spending time with Joan and Maggie wherever they lived, enjoying their fabulous hospitality, they were hilarious raconteurs, great cooks and their gardens looking spectacular!
The last production Joan ever worked on was Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries and I was privileged and lucky enough to finally work along side her as ‘Sisters in Crime’. Her short-term memory was fading, it was a difficult and worrying experience for her but we laughed and worked through the script together and she triumphed in the end. Good old Dr Theatre kicked in!
She told me that this was her last time performing and although I wanted to say “NO you have so much more to give”, I knew that would be selfish and a great leading lady knows when to exit the stage and bow out with dignity.
The last time we saw each other was at Maggie’s memorial gathering. Although not knowing many of our faces, the recognition of my voice was apparent, her eyes lit up, our connection was still strong and, although COVID has kept us apart, I am relieved for you,that you are now released and with your sister Maggie and darling friend Annie in spirit again, up their together “Dirty Dusting”
Thank you for all you have taught me, love, friendship, many memories shared that will be treasured forever RIP DARLING JOAN
As per her wishes, she will be buried privately and there will be no funeral ceremony or memorial to attend. (sic)"
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