From there, she went on to portray Barbara Hamilton on Seven's Sons and Daughters before taking up the feisty role of Morag Bellingham on Home and Away across four decades. The character regularly clashed with her on-screen brother Alf Stewart, played by Ray Meagher.

Meagher told Fairfax Media that Frances was an "incredibly loved" member of the long-running soap opera.

"We had a moment of silence for her on set this morning and she'll be sadly missed by both cast and crew," he said.

Frances will also be familiar to those who watched the Australian version of British gameshow The Weakest Link, which ran from 2001 until 2002. The program included the memorable catchphrase: "You are the weakest link, goodbye."

In a cruel twist of fate, the beloved TV star was diagnosed at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital – the location for the fictional hospital in Young Doctors. She was told the cancer had metastasised and spread to her hip.

Tributes began pouring in on Tuesday morning, with the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts describing Frances as a "legend" of the industry.

"Our thoughts are with Cornelia's friends and family," the statement read. "She will be sorely missed."

A Network Seven spokeswoman said Frances' on-screen presence inspired a generation of actors.

"This gift was coupled with an ability to bring a sense of dignity and presence into each room she entered," she said. "Her energy and character will be missed."

Author and actor Judy Nunn first met Frances on the set of The Box feature film in 1975. They were friends ever since.

"Everybody who knows Corney – and she had many friends who deeply admired and loved her – would say she was one of the most generous, good-hearted, all-embracing and warm people you could meet," she said. "She died with the same grace and dignity in which she lived."