Anne Haddy, a talented actress, was born in Quorn, South Australia, in 1930. Her journey in the world of acting began in 1948 when she made her debut on ABC Radio Adelaide. At the age of 23, she left her home country to pursue an acting career in the UK, seeking further stage training. However, she encountered intense competition, which led her to work for Kellogg's. Eventually, she returned to Australia.
Throughout her life, Anne struggled with poor health. In 1979, she suffered a heart attack, and underwent heart operations in 1982 and 1983. She also battled stomach cancer and kidney problems in 1996, and underwent a major hip operation.
Anne's television career was marked by her iconic roles in popular shows such as 'Sons and Daughters', 'Prisoner', and 'Playschool'. However, her most notable and enduring role was that of Helen Daniels, the matriarch of the popular Australian soap opera 'Neighbours'. She played the character from the show's inception in 1985 until her departure in 1997. During her time on the show, she became the longest-serving member of the cast in 1993, following the departure of Alan Dale.
Anne's character, Helen Daniels, was a beloved figure in the show, known for her intelligence, sympathy, and ability to connect with every other character. Her on-screen life often mirrored her own, as Helen suffered from ill health throughout the 12 years Anne played the role. In 1997, Anne's poor health forced her to take time off from the show, and she made the difficult decision to quit. Helen Daniels died peacefully in Episode 2,965 in October 1997.
Sadly, Anne's health continued to decline, and she passed away peacefully in a Melbourne hospital in July 1999, surrounded by her husband and family. She was a devoted mother to five children and grandmother to six grandchildren.
