Sad News: Home and Away Artists Send Condolences to Their Former Colleague
The Home and Away family is in mourning following heartbreaking news that has deeply affected both current and former cast members. Earlier this week, the television community learned of the tragic passing of Sarah Duffy, a former behind-the-scenes crew member who worked in the Home and Away art department for over a decade. While not a household name, Sarah was beloved by the cast and crew for her creativity, warmth, and tireless dedication to the show.
Sarah’s death was confirmed by her family in a public statement released Monday, in which they described her as “a passionate artist, a kind soul, and a pillar of quiet strength.” She passed away peacefully at her home in Sydney at the age of 48 after a short battle with cancer.
News of her passing has triggered an emotional wave of tributes from former and current Home and Away stars. Many took to social media to share their memories and condolences, expressing how much of an impact Sarah had on their personal and professional lives.
Ray Meagher, who plays the iconic Alf Stewart, wrote on Instagram:
“Heartbroken to hear about Sarah’s passing. She was one of the good ones – always smiling, always willing to help. The Bay won’t be the same without her. My deepest condolences to her family.”
Emily Symons, who portrays Marilyn Chambers, shared a touching photo of Sarah from behind the scenes, captioned:
“Sarah was the heartbeat of the art department. Her sense of style and creativity brought so much life to our set. More than that, she was a beautiful friend. Rest easy, lovely soul.”
Longtime fan favorite Ada Nicodemou (Leah Patterson) also paid tribute, saying:
“We’re not just colleagues at Home and Away, we’re a family. Losing Sarah is like losing a sister. Her laughter and warmth lit up the set every day. My love to her loved ones.”
It wasn’t just actors who remembered Sarah. Former producers, writers, and makeup artists shared their appreciation for her work ethic and kind nature. Jessica Tiernan, a former production coordinator, commented: “People like Sarah are the reason this show runs so smoothly. She gave everything without asking for credit, and she did it with a heart of gold.”
Fans of the long-running soap were also quick to show their support. A tribute post on the official Home and Away Instagram page garnered thousands of reactions and hundreds of comments. Many fans expressed how the beauty of the show’s visuals – the beach scenes, the Summer Bay diner, and the intimate home settings – were in part thanks to people like Sarah, working quietly but significantly behind the camera.
Sarah Duffy began working on Home and Away in 2007, initially as a set decorator. Over the years, she became a vital part of the art direction team, helping to shape the visual identity of Summer Bay. Her colleagues often credited her with an uncanny ability to make fictional spaces feel real and lived-in, contributing to the emotional tone of many memorable episodes.
Her final credited work on the series was in 2021, after which she quietly stepped back from television work to focus on her health and spend time with her family. Friends say she remained proud of her time with Home and Away and often spoke fondly of the relationships she built there.
While Sarah’s name may not have appeared in front of the camera, her legacy lives on through the enduring world she helped create. The loss of such a cherished figure serves as a reminder of the many unsung heroes behind the scenes who make television magic possible.
As tributes continue to pour in, one thing is clear: Sarah Duffy was more than just a colleague—she was family.
