Cornelia Frances, veteran Australian actor and host of The Weakest Link gameshow, has died of cancer at the age of 77.
Frances, who was born in the UK but emigrated to Australia in 1970, died overnight at her home in Sydney, surrounded by family and friends, the Daily Telegraph reported.
The actor starred in several long-running Australian soap operas, including as Home and Away’s Morag Bellingham, who she played on and off for 30 years. She also appeared in Sons and Daughters, Prisoner: Cell Block H, and The Young Doctors.
Frances was diagnosed with bladder cancer last year and it quickly spread, she told media in January.
“I’m feeling fine, albeit what’s inside me,” Frances told A Current Affair. “The pain comes and goes but you accept that, it’s par for the course.”
She said she had hoped to reprise the role of Morag for Home and Away’s 30th anniversary in 2018.
The Australian version of the UK quiz show The Weakest Link ran for just over a year in 2001 and 2002.
A spokeswoman for Channel Seven, which broadcast many of the programs Frances appeared in, said she had “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.”
On Monday her son, Lawrence Eastland, shared a photograph of his mother.
“A very personal photo of my mum during one of her resting moments, she is so peaceful, soft and serene,” he wrote. “I truly love this woman.”
