Andrewartha was best known for playing Lyn Scully in Neighbours, Reb Keane in Prisoner: Cell Block H and had recently appeared in television thriller Fake.

Social media accounts for Neighbours confirmed her death on Sunday night.

“Everyone at Neighbours is deeply saddened by the passing of Janet Andrewartha,” the program said in a statement.

“Janet will be remembered for her wide body of work.”

Andrewartha starred in Australian television and theatre productions since the early 1980s, returning to Neighbours several times after her initial seven-year stint.

Actress Jackie Woodburne, known for playing Susan Kennedy on the iconic soap, said she would miss her friend of 45 years.

“Janet was one of the finest actors of her generation, but more than that, she was an extraordinary woman,”  Woodburne said in the statement from Neighbours.

“Passionate, political, curious, delightfully eccentric, generous and fun.”

It’s reported the 72-year-old died peacefully surrounded by family in Melbourne on Friday.

Former Neighbours co-star Stefan Dennis, who played Paul Robinson, said she would be missed.

“She truly was an exceptional actress who was a pleasure to work with and to be around,” he posted to Instagram.

“We will all miss you dear girl.”

– AAP