Australian Actress Maughan Dies

Australian actress MONICA MAUGHAN has died.

The star passed away in Melbourne, Australia on Friday (08Jan10). The cause of death was not known as WENN went to press.

Maughan was believed to have been 71 at the time of her death, but previously admitted lying about her age.

She began her career in theatre in the 1950s, famously starring alongside Geoffrey Rush in a 1980s production of The Importance Of Being Earnest.

Maughan went on to win a series of high profile TV roles in shows including Prisoner, and her film credits include turns in Strange Bedfellows with Paul Hogan, Crackerjack, and most recently in 2009’s Blessed. She won a clutch of prestigious awards throughout her longrunning career including two AFI prizes, a Logie Award and a Critics’ Choice Award .

She is survived by her second husband, solicitor Rowland Ball.