Australian TV great Cornelia Frances has passed away at the age of 77, following a long battle with cancer.
Cornelia is adored worldwide for playing some of TV’s most memorable villains – from the bitchy Sister Scott on The Young Doctors in the ’70s, to the conniving Barbara Hamilton on Sons And Daughters and then a 29-year stint as evil Morag Bellingham on Home And Away.
The actress was first diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2016. Sadly, the disease spread to her hip and, despite chemotherapy and radiation treatment, it had metastasised to her spine.
Cornelia’s son, Lawrence, told New Idea earlier this year, ‘Ever the trouper, she remains positive and is hoping for a miracle.’
Lawrence also reflected on Cornelia’s love of being a grandmother.
When he welcomed his now 17-year-old daughter Tipani, he says his mother’s eyes lit up with joy.
‘She adores being a doting grandmother,’ he said at the time.
‘Mum has so much love for everyone. We’re enjoying every day, as best we can. If there is a spare miracle out there, please send it our way.’
Taking to Instagram last night, Lawrence shared a very emotional picture of his resting mother, ‘A very personal photo of my mum during one of her resting moments, she is so peaceful, soft and serene. I truly love this woman.’
Frances’ son made sure his mother was comfortable in the hospital and often sneaked in McDonald’s and chocolate bars into his mother’s hospital room to help keep her spirits up!
‘(But) with the way hospital food can taste, it was a Godsend,’ she recalled of her son’s cheeky actions.
Speaking to A Current Affair earlier this year from hospital, Cornelia, or ‘Corney’ as she liked to be called, revealed her tough determination, hilariously saying ‘you haven’t heard the last from the TV b*** yet.’
Many have taken to Twitter to mourn the Australian TV great.
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