Home and Away actress Cornelia Frances dies aged 77 following cancer battle
Written by News on 30/05/2018
Cornelia Frances, who played Morag Bellingham in Home and Away, has died aged 77 following a battle with cancer.
The British-born actress played the sister of Alf Stewart on the Australian soap.
Ray Meagher, who played her on-screen brother, said: “Cornie was an incredibly loved and valued member of our cast over many, many years.
“We had a moment of silence for her on set this morning and she’ll be sadly missed by both cast and crew.”
Channel Seven, which airs the programme, said: “Cornelia Frances was a unique person. Her on screen presence inspired a generation of actors.
“This gift was coupled with an ability to bring a sense of dignity and presence into each room she entered. Her energy and character will be missed.”
Lincoln Younes, who was in Home and Away from 2011 to 2014, tweeted: “#CorneliaFrances. You were always ahead of the game. Will miss your witty banter on-set X.”
Frances also appeared in dramas including Sons and Daughters, The Young Doctors and Prisoner, as well as a role hosting the Australian version of The Weakest Link.
In an interview at the start of 2018, Frances revealed she had cancer.
She told Sydney paper the Daily Telegraph she had been diagnosed during a checkup: “I discovered I had bladder cancer.
“This then spread to my hip bone which fractured, and then I almost died from loss of blood due to an ulcer in my throat. Despite all this, I am still here, as the old song goes,” she said.
Born in Liverpool, Frances had been in the entertainment industry for more than half a century following training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
(c) Sky News 2018: Home and Away actress Cornelia Frances dies aged 77 following cancer battle
