By: Ally Barnes
You may not know Lynne McGranger’s name, but you probably know her face. Lynne has been playing the role of Irene Roberts on Home and Away for 33 years.
And according to Instagram, she’s set to retire this year.
“After nearly 33 incredible years, our beloved Diner Queen, Irene, is waving goodbye to Summer Bay!” the Aussie TV show announced on Instagram last week.
“While Lynne wraps up filming at the end of this March, fans can still enjoy many more months of Irene’s iconic slang and warm presence before her final episode airs later this year.”
Colleagues have been quick to share their gratitude and admiration for Lynne.
“What can I say about my best mate? And my favourite work mate?” wrote Home and Away co-star Ada Nicodemou on Instagram.
“I love you so much… I think I’m still in denial that you’re leaving. I may not let you leave.
“Maybe I’ll just kidnap you and let you live in our dressing room…
“Honestly though the show won’t be the same and my day won’t be the same without you in it! We all adore you!”
After graduating from Teachers College and getting experience in the classroom, Lynne knew teaching wasn’t for her.
So, she turned to acting, and landed a three-month guest role on Home and Away in 1993.
In an interview discussing her autobiography, Acting Up: Me Myself & Irene, Lynne says she’s still “winging it”.
She also shared, “My faith has played an important role in my life, and it’s hard in a world that I work in and live in.”
Playing Irene for this many years, means Lynne holds the record for Australia’s longest role played by a female actor. In response Lynne expressed, “I’m so grateful and so thankful that I’m so blessed with this gig, that it’s lasted me so long!”
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
Feature image: Sourced from Wikimedia Commons