Neighbours and The Flying Doctors star Val Jellay dies aged 89
Val Jellay, Neighbours actress and The Flying Doctors star, has passed away at the age of 89.
Her son, comedian Marty Fields, confirmed the sad news on Twitter today (May 6), sharing that the the actress died after a short battle with pneumonia.
"My mum, Val, passed away today of pneumonia," he wrote. "She lived an amazing life. She's back with her beloved Maurie now. I will miss her very much."
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Marty Fields @Martyfields
My mum, Val, passed away today of pneumonia. She lived an amazing life. She's back with her beloved Maurie now.
I will miss her very much.
7:08 AM - 6 May 2017
106 106 Retweets 597 597 likes
Over the last week, Marty has been posting updates on Val's illness after she was admitted to hospital earlier this month, revealing that she was admitted to intensive care before her death.
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Marty Fields @Martyfields
I'll be going off the air for a while.
My mum is battling pneumonia in intensive care and it's getting worse so my focus is there.
Marty x
11:31 AM - 30 Apr 2017
1 1 Retweet 53 53 likes
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Marty Fields @Martyfields
Mum update. On life support and fully sedated. We'll know more in 24-48 hours. She'll either get on top of the infection or it'll take her.
12:00 PM - 1 May 2017
1 1 Retweet 21 21 likes
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Marty Fields @Martyfields
Update: Mum is still fighting but there's been little change. They're making sure she's comfortable.
1:33 PM - 2 May 2017
3 3 Retweets 38 38 likes
Val began her career when she was a child before rising up to become one of the biggest stars in vaudeville, before taking her talents to the small screen.
She was married to Australian actor Maurie Fields from 1960 until his death from a heart attack in 1995, and was probably best known for her role in The Flying Doctors where she appeared alongside Maurie as husband and wife duo Vic and Nancy Buckley, who ran the local hotel.
Val also appeared in Neighbours back in 2000 starring as Connie O'Rourke for several episodes.
Marty Fields and mother Val Jellay at the 52nd TV Week Logie Awards in 2010
© SCOTT BARBOUR/GETTY IMAGES
[Val with her son Marty]
Her other acting credits include Prisoner, Carson's Law, Young Ramsay, Bluey, Homicide, Division 4, The Librarians and Blue Heelers.
She was also an author, and her book So You Want To Be In Showbusiness, which documented her own experiences in the entertainment world, provided advice and support to actors looking for their big break.
I loved Flying Doctors when it was shown on UK tv and I remember her in quite a few other shows... I remember her and Maurie as pub landlords ... feels strange but I am really upset by this .. RIP Val xxx
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