Liverpool-born actress Cornelia Frances – best-known for her role as Morag Bellingham on the long-running soap Home and Away – has died at the age of 77.
Frances studied acting in London but found fame after moving to Australia in 1970. She had revealed in January that she had been suffering from bladder cancer.
In a career spanning decades, she starred in popular local soaps and dramas including The Young Doctors, Prisoner, and Sons and Daughters.
She also hosted the Australian version of game show The Weakest Link.
But her most famous role came through playing Morag – the scheming sister of Ray Meagher’s Alf Stewart – in various stints from 1988 until last year.
The Seven Network, which announced her death, said Frances 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,” it added.
Co-star Ray Meagher said she was “an incredibly loved and valued member of our cast over many, many years”.
