Cornelia Frances, the Australian television actress best known for her role in "Home and Away," died Monday at 77 after she was diagnosed with bladder cancer more than a year ago, The Daily Mail reported.
The actress, who also starred in "Prisoner" and "Sons and Daughters," died in Sydney with family and friends nearby, the newspaper said. Doctors had informed Frances that the cancer had spread to her hip and spine.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Frances was being treated at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital, the same location she filmed the series "The Young Doctors" in the 1970s.
Frances emigrated from England to Australia in the 1970s when her acting career took off and lasted for 50 years. She was nominated for the country's highest television award, the Logie, six times but never won. She blamed that on the coarseness of her characters.
"It's a public opinion, they don't like the b******, they like the nice ladies," Frances had said, per The Daily Mail. "Being nominated was a great thrill, it was lovely."
The Guardian reported that her son, Lawrence Eastland, shared a photo of her on social media.
"A very personal photo of my mum during one of her resting moments, she is so peaceful, soft and serene," Eastland wrote, per The Guardian. "I truly love this woman."
A spokeswoman for Channel Seven, where many of the programs Frances's shows appeared, told The Guardian that the actress "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," the spokeswoman added.
Many fans and those connected with the entertainment industry shared their condolences on Twitter.