Actor Betty Bobbitt has died at the age of 81, it has been confirmed. 

She was best known for her role in Australian drama Prisoner Cell Block H. 

Betty’s son Christopher Hill confirmed she died in hospital on Monday, after suffering a “massive stroke” last week.

Writing on his mother’s official Facebook page, he said: “Sadly, mum passed away this morning at 10:20am after five nights in hospital.

“She was peaceful and in no pain. Thank you for your support and apologies if I can’t respond to everyone but I will try. I will post more later.”

At the weekend, Chris revealed Betty was receiving palliative care after being admitted to hospital on Wednesday. 

“We are hugely devastated and struggling to come to terms with such a sudden event,” he said at the time. 

“My mum has been a legend, an inspiration, a mentor and icon for so many.”

Betty, who was born in the US and based in Australia, was known to millions as Judy Bryant in Prisoner Cell Block H, which she appeared in from 1980 and 1985.

She also made cameo appearances in several of the Crocodile Dundee films between 1988 and 2020. 

Among her final roles was also a guest appearance in an episode of Neighbours in 2019.