Australian actor Penny Cook has passed away aged 61. Her management announced her death was from cancer.

Cook became a household favourite starring in many Australian dramas including A Country Practice where she played veterinarian Vicky Dean from 1981 to 1985. She also appeared in The Restless Years and was a founding cast member of the soap opera E Street. 

She also appeared on the4 long running series The Flying Doctors and was a presenter on The Great Outdoors. Alongside her television career the actor regular appeared on stage in theatrical roles.

A regular face on Australian television screens she spend some time as a cast member on Neighbours in the recurring role of Prude Brown, and also made appearances on All Saints and Pulse. 

In a statement her family thanks everyone for their condolences.

“It is with great sorrow that her family wish to advise that the much loved Penny Cook, beloved partner, mother, daughter, sister, and dear friend, died peacefully last night, of cancer, surrounded by family,” the statement read.

“The family wish to express their thanks for all messages of condolence forwarded to them.”

 Her family asked that rather than sending flowers fans made a donation to the Monkey Baa Theatre, a youth theatre company where Cook served as a board member.

OIP Staff