Leila Hayes, beloved Australian soap star and media personality, dies aged 85

Australian screen and radio personality Leila Hayes has died at the age of 85.

The popular actress died peacefully at a hospital in Sydney’s Northern Beaches after facing long-term health challenges, according to a post on the Leila Hayes Drama Studio Facebook page.

Born in Dimboola, Victoria, on 12 January 1940, Hayes started her career as a singer on The Don Lane Show and the Bert Newton Show, before jumping into guest roles on television in the 1970s.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

Hayes appeared in popular drama series including Homicide, Power Without Glory, The Sullivans, Prisoner, and Cop Shop.

She is best remembered for her of role of Beryl Palmer in the soap opera Sons and Daughters, playing the part in close to 1000 episodes over the course of the show’s five-year run beginning in 1982.

Hayes also proved herself as a radio presenter, hosting New Day Australia with Leila Hayes on Radio 2UE, a successful midnight-to-dawn program.

The accomplished performer established the Leila Hayes Drama Studio in Melbourne in 1979 and branched out to Sydney in 1987, where she nurtured up-and-coming talent.

She also turned her hand to writing, penning plays and publishing a children’s book, titled Streak, in 2018.

Hayes ran voluntary drama programs for youth and senior citizens, earning her Rotary International’s Paul Harris Fellow Award and a Premier Award for Service to the Community.

In later years, Hayes lived a private life surrounded by family and loved ones. She is survived by her daughter Melissa, son-in-law Erik, and grandsons Lucian and Liam.

Taking to Facebook a day after announcing Hayes’ passing, Melissa thanked fans for the support in a heartfelt new message.

“To all my mum’s beautiful fans, peers and students - thank you for your condolences, shared memories and support,” the post reads.

“It means the world to me and my family at this difficult time.

“Yesterday’s message was 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.

“I am sure she would feel incredibly humbled by the overwhelmingly loving support.”