Veteran Australian TV star Leila Hayes died in Sydney on Sunday following a long-term health battle.

The beloved actress was born in Dimboola, regional Victoria in 1940 and enjoyed a celebrated career of over three decades in Australian film and television.

Hayes’ daughter Melissa confirmed the heartbreaking news in a social media statement.

‘This message is not easy to share, and done only out of the great respect she had for all those who have followed, worked with or studied with her over the years,’ Melissa began.

‘Grateful I could be there with her at the time and for all the amazing memories shared.

‘I am sure she would feel incredibly humbled by the overwhelmingly loving support. Thank you.’

Many of Hayes’ celebrity friends were quick to share their tributes to the beloved actress.

‘The memories of us working together in Sons & Daughters are wonderful and something I shall cherish,’ wrote Hayes’ former co-star Tom Richards. 

‘Leila meant the world to me,’ added Cop Shop star Stephen Comey. 

Hayes began her long career as a singer on The Bert Newton Show in the early 70s, before she found her true calling as a soap star.

She first appeared in the popular cop drama Matlock Police in 1971, and for the next three decades appeared in some of Australia’s most renowned productions.

Some of her most famous roles included appearing on the Channel Seven soap opera Sons and Daughters from 1982 – 1987 as the popular character Beryl Palmer.

She also starred on A Country Practice, Prisoner and Cop Shop.

Her final acting role was in 2005, in a short Australian movie called Chasing Down the Dawn opposite Home and Away star Beccy Iland. 

Hayes worked with some of Australia’s most famous stars throughout her career, including Bert Newton, Michael Caton, and John Wood.

In 1979, she founded her own acting school in Melbourne called the Leila Hayes Drama Studio, where she helped budding thespians refine their craft.

She remained active in her old age and frequently arranged drama programs for her fellow senior citizens.

She was awarded a NSW Premier Award for Service to the Community, in recognition of her long-standing commitment to using drama to help others. 

Hayes married the love of her life, Ron Connelly, and had one child with him.

She is survived by her daughter Melissa, son-in-law Erik and two grandsons.