Arabic version: الممثلة الأسترالية المحبوبة لورين بايلي تتوفى عن عمر يناهز 89 عامًا

Lorraine Bayly, a former host of Play School and star of the long-running soap opera The Sullivans, has died aged 89. According to ABC News, she passed away in a Sydney nursing home on Saturday morning after enduring years of poor health.

Bayly’s family shared the news through entertainment reporter Craig Bennett, who noted that she had enjoyed a stellar 62-year career in the entertainment industry before retiring 10 years ago. Her contributions to Australian television made her a familiar face for many generations.

In 1966, Bayly was among the original presenters of Play School, a beloved children’s program that became a staple of Australian television during the 1960s and 70s. She later became well-known for her role as matriarch Grace in The Sullivans, a wartime drama that aired from 1976 to 1983.

Following her time on The Sullivans, Bayly starred in Carson’s Law, a role specifically written for her as solicitor Jennifer Carson. She received accolades for her performances, winning Silver Logies for most popular actress for both The Sullivans and Carson’s Law.

Bayly’s stage career also flourished, with performances in productions like Death of a Salesman, Travelling North, and The Sound of Music, marking her final theatre appearance in 2016. Her legacy in the Australian entertainment industry will be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.