Vale: Vivean Gray

Veteran performer Vivean Gray, best known for her nosy neighbour characters on The Sullivans and Neighbours, has died, aged 92.

Gray’s iconic character Mrs. Jessup on The Sullivans in the mid 1970s was succeeded by her role as Mrs. Mangel on Neighbours a decade later.

The UK born actress epitomised the neighbourhood gossip on both soaps, despite both being rooted in different eras. But it led to some fervent TV fans hurling abuse at her in real life, causing Mrs. Mangel to be her last screen credit.

The bulk of her television work was in 1970s dramas including Bluey, Solo One, Power Without Glory, Homicide, Division 4, Matlock Police, Carson’s Law, plus 1980s roles on Prisoner, All the Rivers Run and ANZACs.

Her film credits include Picnic at Hanging Rock and The Last Wave.

Rick Maier, Head of Drama, Network TEN said, “Mrs. Mangel and Mrs. Jessup were two of our most iconic characters from one our very best character actors. Ramsay Street changed forever, and certainly no secret was ever safe, with Mrs. Mangel on the lookout. Vivean’s contribution to Australian drama will never be forgotten. It is a very sad day for the Neighbours’ family.”

Guy Pearce once said, “Funnily enough, the actress who played Mrs Mangel – Vivean Gray – was the most sweet and delightful lady you could ever come across.

“So it was an amazing testament to her acting ability that she played one of the most harrowing characters on Australian television.”