Updated
Australian actor Judith McGrath, who starred in some of the country's best-loved television shows, had died aged 70.
McGrath appeared as prison officer Colleen Powell in Prisoner, but is perhaps best known for her Logie-nominated role playing nurse Von Ryan in the long-running television series All Saints.
Nominated for a Logie Award for the Most Outstanding Actress in a Series, McGrath was the only original cast member to stay with the series until it concluded in late 2009.
McGrath, who was born in Brisbane, appeared in 253 episodes of Prisoner between 1979 and 1984.
Her prison officer character was one of the most loved from the show.
It was originally just a minor character but then she gained more fame as she replaced Officer Vera "Vinegar Tits" Bennett.
She was a stern and sarcastic character but softened as the series went on.
McGrath's character earned the nickname "Po Face" because of her dry sense of humour.
McGrath also appeared in Neighbours, A Country Practice and Winners and Losers during her decades-long career.
Her All Saints co-star Georgie Parker paid tribute to McGrath by posting a picture on Instagram.
"I learnt so much from this talented, witty person. No bulls**t allowed with this woman," Parker wrote.
"Didn't get to tell you how much you meant to me, but you would have told me to shut up anyway.
"When I signed off in an email I'd say 'love me' and you'd say 'I do'. Well I love you Jude. And all of us at All Saints were so very lucky to have worked alongside you. Can't believe it actually."
McGrath's family and management are yet to release a statement since her death, the cause of which has not been disclosed.
Fans and colleagues took to Twitter to express their sadness at the news.
AAP/ABC
Topics: death, community-and-society, actor, arts-and-entertainment, television, australia
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