Beloved Aussie TV Icon Lorraine Bayly Dies at 89
A cherished icon of Australian television has passed away at the age of 89.
Lorraine Bayly AM, the deeply adored Australian actress, has died at 89.
Her passing was confirmed to the 2GB radio station on Saturday by journalist and close friend Craig Bennett, who spoke on behalf of the star’s family.
Bayly passed away on Saturday morning at a care facility in Sydney.
She is most widely remembered for portraying Grace Sullivan in The Sullivans, which aired from 1976 until 1983. Additionally, she gained fame as a presenter on the beloved children’s program Play School and for her guest appearance on Neighbours.
Following her departure from The Sullivans, Bayly stepped into the lead role of solicitor Jennifer Carson in Carson’s Law, a part that was custom-written for her.
Her exceptional performances in both The Sullivans and Carson’s Law earned her Silver Logie Awards for Most Popular Actress.
In a heartfelt social media tribute, Mr. Bennett described Bayly as a “showbiz legend, a bona fide star of stage and screen, a triple Logie winning TV treasure and beautiful friend to many,” while also mentioning that she had only stepped away from acting a decade ago.
He noted her profound passion for the arts blossomed early in life. Growing up in Narrandera, she would often wrap herself in curtains, singing and dancing, before eventually pursuing formal training at Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre during the 1950s.
Even with her highly successful television career, Mr. Bennett emphasized that Bayly’s true “big love” remained the theater, having performed in over 50 musicals and stage plays.
Having celebrated her 89th birthday just last month, Bayly had been happily spending her retirement at her family’s macadamia farm in Maclean Ridge, alongside her nephew Brad, his wife Janelle, and their children.
However, she never truly slowed down, with Mr. Bennett pointing out that she lived every year to its absolute fullest.
“Every decade Lorraine would learn something new, from playing tennis to the saxophone, to ballroom dancing,” he shared.
“Vale to a most kind, remarkable and beautiful person.
“After years of gruelling health issues, she’s now free and off onto her next wild adventure. Big block of chocolate in hand! LB was a self confessed chocoholic!”