The Home and Away world is in mourning following heartbreaking reports that iconic actress Lynne McGranger has passed away at the age of 72 at her home. The news has sent a profound wave of sadness through the Australian television industry and the millions of viewers who welcomed her into their homes for decades.

For generations of fans, Lynne McGranger was more than just an actress. She was a constant presence, a source of warmth, strength, and emotional truth in a show that has defined Australian television for over three decades. Her passing marks the end of an era not only for Home and Away, but for the entire soap landscape.

The Heart of Summer Bay

Best known for her legendary portrayal of Irene Roberts, McGranger became one of the longest-serving female actors in Australian drama history. Her character weathered addiction, heartbreak, recovery, love, and loss — often reflecting real-life struggles faced by viewers watching at home.

What set McGranger apart was her ability to bring humour and vulnerability into the same breath. One moment she could deliver a sharp line with impeccable timing, the next she could devastate audiences with raw, unfiltered emotion. For many fans, Irene wasn’t just a character — she felt like family.

A Shock Felt Beyond the Screen

News of McGranger’s death has reportedly left cast and crew stunned. For those who worked alongside her, she was a mentor, a confidant, and a grounding force on set. Long-running soaps rely on stability, and Lynne McGranger was that stability for Home and Away.

Sources describe an atmosphere of disbelief behind the scenes, with production said to have paused as colleagues processed the loss. Support services have reportedly been offered to cast members, many of whom grew up professionally alongside her.

“She was the heart of the place,” one insider shared. “Losing her feels unreal.”

Tributes Pour In

Tributes from across the entertainment industry have begun to surface, praising McGranger not only for her extraordinary career, but for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering professionalism. Fellow actors have described her as a guiding light — someone who never forgot her lines, never complained, and always showed up for everyone else.

Fans, meanwhile, have flooded social media with emotional messages, sharing favourite scenes, quotes, and memories. Many credit her performance with helping them through difficult moments in their own lives.

“Irene helped me survive some dark years,” one fan wrote. “Lynne will always be part of my life.”

An Enduring Legacy

Although Lynne McGranger is gone, her legacy is indelible. Her work on Home and Away shaped the show’s emotional core and proved that soap opera performances can be as powerful and meaningful as any prestige drama.

As Summer Bay prepares to honour one of its greatest legends, one truth stands firm: Lynne McGranger didn’t just play a role. She helped build a world — and that world will never forget her.