Housos star Maret Archer has died at the age of 75.
The show’s creator Paul Fenech confirmed the sad news in an Instagram post on Friday as he paid tribute to his former co-star Maret Archer.
Maret Archer was best-known for portraying Beryl, the mother of Darren Smith (Jason Davis), in Paul’s popular satirical comedy series.
She also reprised her beloved role in the show’s spin-offs Housos vs Authority and Fat Pizza vs Housos.
According to an obituary shared in the Sydney Morning Herald, Maret died ‘peacefully’ on September 2 ‘surrounded by love’.
Paying tribute on Instagram this week, Paul wrote: ‘Rest in peace Maret. You’ll be missed there’s no one ever in Australian TV that could play a house Aussie mum so perfectly!’
Alongside a selection of photographs of Maret, Paul added: ‘She was a strong, funny woman with a great sense of humour, on set we all loved working with her.
‘Have a good thought or prayer for her. Rest in peace Maret.’
His post was quickly flooded with condolence messages from fans who shared their devastation over Maret’s death.
One wrote: ‘Condolences to family and friends, she definitely played every part to perfection would of been an amazing woman to work with she was 1 of my favourites.’
Another said: ‘How sad 🙁 condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.’
A third commented: ‘Aww… she was brilliant as Beryl. Absolutely brilliant. RIP Maret and sorry for the loss of your colleague and friend.’
While a fourth penned: ‘RIP to Beryl thanks for the laughs, safe travels to heaven.’
And another added: ‘Such very sad news indeed Pauly. Sending all my love and condolences to her beloved family.’
Maret memorably starred in Housos, a satirical parody following a group of Aussie residents living in the fictional suburb of Sunnyvale, New South Wales.
In 2014, the series won the Logie Award for Most Outstanding Light Entertainment.
As well as Housos, Paul also famously created SBS’s other smash hit Aussie sitcom Fat Pizza, which starred Rebel Wilson.