Premium Content:

'A Country Practice' and 'E-Street' star Penny Cook dies aged 61

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

- Advertisement -

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


 

Latest

On This Gay Day | Trailblazing politician Ralph McLean died

Ralph McLean was first elected to the Fitzroy council in 1982.

Dean Misdale brings ‘Dragged Through The Desert’ to Fringe World

The show promises to bring glitz, glamour, and a whole lot of heart to Fringe World Festival 2026.

Co3 will collaborate with The New Zealand Dance Company to stage ‘Gloria’

Its a rare chance to see an acclaimed work from one of New Zealand's most acclaimed dance talents.

Barry Manilow shares he’s been diagnosed with lung cancer

The musician says the cancer has been detected early and he expects to make a full recovery.

Newsletter

Don't miss

On This Gay Day | Trailblazing politician Ralph McLean died

Ralph McLean was first elected to the Fitzroy council in 1982.

Dean Misdale brings ‘Dragged Through The Desert’ to Fringe World

The show promises to bring glitz, glamour, and a whole lot of heart to Fringe World Festival 2026.

Co3 will collaborate with The New Zealand Dance Company to stage ‘Gloria’

Its a rare chance to see an acclaimed work from one of New Zealand's most acclaimed dance talents.

Barry Manilow shares he’s been diagnosed with lung cancer

The musician says the cancer has been detected early and he expects to make a full recovery.

The Year in Review | May 2025

Continuing a journey through the big news stories of 2025, we reach May - the month that had the most posts of the year.

On This Gay Day | Trailblazing politician Ralph McLean died

Ralph McLean was first elected to the Fitzroy council in 1982.

Dean Misdale brings ‘Dragged Through The Desert’ to Fringe World

The show promises to bring glitz, glamour, and a whole lot of heart to Fringe World Festival 2026.

Co3 will collaborate with The New Zealand Dance Company to stage ‘Gloria’

Its a rare chance to see an acclaimed work from one of New Zealand's most acclaimed dance talents.