Australian actress Patsy King passed away in Melbourne on Monday at the age of 95 following a short illness. She is survived by her sister Valerie Logada.
King was widely recognized for her role as Governor Erica Davidson in the Australian television series 'Prisoner,' appearing in 351 episodes. She also served as one of the original presenters on the ABC children's program 'Play School.'
Her television career included roles in prominent series such as 'Homicide,' 'Matlock Police,' 'Division 4,' 'The Box,' and 'The Sullivans.' She also appeared in the mini-series 'Power Without Glory' and 'The Rivals.'
Born in Melbourne, King studied acting at the National Theatre, making her stage debut in 1951. Her stage performances included lead roles in 'Summer of the Seventeenth Doll' and 'Peter Pan.' In 1963, she received the Erik Award for Best Actress for her role as Agnes in 'The Fourposter.' King reprised her 'Prisoner' role as Governor Erica Davidson in the 1989 theatrical production 'Prisoner: Cell Block H,' which played to sold-out audiences and was followed by a UK tour.
King also had a career in radio, working for the ABC and several commercial stations. She married John Sumner, founder of the Melbourne Theatre Company, in 1959; they separated eight years later.
Beyond her own performances, King contributed to nurturing new talent. She was involved in establishing a Children's Theatre at Monash University and served as a committee member and director with Melbourne Writers' Theatre.