Belinda Emmett dies, age 32

[Andy]

No Megan Connelly, who I think played rebecca Nash, actually replacing Belinda when she was first diagnosed with cancer died a few years ago. Correct me if im wrong, i think she replaced belinda?

How coincidental is that?

Megan died on the 6th September 2001, when she lost her battle with heroin (she had been attending rehab). She died from a drug overdose, found dead with a syringe by her side after injecting a lethal dose of heroin. She was 27.

In 1998, she played the role of Rebecca Nash, filling in for Belinda Emmett, who was undergoing breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy at the time.

Like Belinda, Megan was also from the Central Coast, and also born in 1974.

[Jazer]

I still can't believe that Belinda is really gone. Its so sad to lose a great actress as I remember seeing her on H&A when I was younger.

Actually there were 3 people who played Rebecca Fisher/Nash on the show. Jane Hall was the first one to play the role in 1989, followed by Megan Connelly (who also died) and Belinda. Its a bit eerie as alot of characters have died over the last 18 years but to lose one of them in real life is even more tragic.

I wonder how her friends/co-stars from H&A and All Saints are coping with the news????

R.I.P. Belinda Emmett. You'll be missed.

Jazer (Jarad)

[dan]

I believe the other actress to have played Rebecca was called Danielle Spencer.

Could anyone post any photos or video clips of Belinda that we could collect together for some sort of memorial article/collage?

RIP Belinda.

[loveangelmusicbaby]

I was on a break at work when I got a sms from my friend saying she had died. I thought she was joking. I almost cried. I mean I knew it would happen but not now...if that makes sense. She was looking rather frail the past few months. I can still remember her appearances on Rove and at the Logies, especially this year. Rove won't be on for a while, and I have a feeling it may not return at all. With the whole ratings slide and now tragic passing he may just want to stay out of the limelight. All I can say is that if or when it does return, I will definetly tune in. My thoughts are with Rove, and their families. Such a short time as husband and wife. RIP Belinda.

[Jen]

I couldn't believe it when I heard it. Belinda was so young. Her and Rove had only been married a year. I did a project on Belinda in year 9. I always thought she was so inspirational and such a beautiful person. It was really unexpected. She will be missed.

[Eli]

Rest in peace Belinda

[alexx]

Yes the cancer seemed to age her dramatically…

Belinda Emmett loses battle with cancer

Saturday Nov 11 16:28 AEDT - ninemsn.com.au

Much loved Australian actor Belinda Emmett has lost her battle with cancer, dying at the age of 32.

She died at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital shortly after dawn with her husband, television host Rove McManus, and her family by her side.

"It is with great sadness we advise that Belinda Emmett's battle with cancer has ended," her family said in a statement.

"Belinda passed away just after dawn Saturday morning at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney with her family and husband by her side.

Those close to her have requested respect for their privacy at this time."

Emmett grew up on the NSW Central Coast and got her acting break when she appeared on popular long-running soap Home and Away, playing Rebecca Fisher/Nash, between 1996 and 1999.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998, at the age of 24, the actor successfully underwent surgery to remove the malignant tumour, followed by six weeks of radiotherapy.

After a period in remission, Emmett was diagnosed with secondary bone cancer in 2001, while playing nurse Jodi Horner on the Seven Network's hospital drama All Saints.

"Our deepest sympathy is extended to Belinda's family who have supported her through this illness," Seven said in a statement.

The network paid tribute to its former actor, saying: "During Belinda's time on Home and Away and All Saints, she made many long-lasting friendships.

"Her acting ability and her warmth made her a joy to work with and her spirit will be remembered."

Emmett's Home and Away co-star Nic Testoni, who played her husband Travis Nash, said he was saddened by the news. "I am very sorry to hear that," he said.

A spokesman for St Vincent's Hospital refused to say how long Emmett was being treated at the hospital before she died, saying the family had left the premises before 7am (AEDT) Saturday.

"As you can imagine, they are very distressed," a hospital spokesman told a large contingency of media gathered outside the hospital.

Emmett and McManus were regarded as television's golden couple, meeting at the opening of Fox Studios in Sydney in 1999.

They became engaged in July 2004 and married in January 2005, at Mary Immaculate Church in Waverley, in Sydney's east.

"We're kindred spirits," Emmett told a newspaper at the time.

McManus cancelled the upcoming episode of his TV show Rove Live, with the Ten Network issuing a statement saying it was not sure when the show would return.

"Ten will give Rove the time he needs away from the show and any support we can during this very sad time," Ten said.

"Our heartfelt sympathies are with Rove McManus and the Emmett and McManus families."

Emmett's last television appearance was with McManus on ABC television's Spicks and Specks Christmas Special, in December 2005.

She was also a singer, having released two albums and recently recorded a cover version of James Taylor's Shower The People, with Marcia Hines.

An upset Hines, when contacted by AAP, declined immediate comment.

Emmett's most recent public appearance was at Seven's 50 years of television celebrations in September.

There, she caught up with many of her Home and Away mates, including Kate Ritchie, who plays Sally on the soap.

Emmett also attended the recent ARIA Music Awards, but stayed behind the scenes, watching proudly as McManus performed hosting duties.

Prime Minister John Howard said he and Mrs Howard were saddened by Emmett's death.

"She fought a very courageous battle against cancer," Mr Howard told AAP.

"On behalf of Janette and myself, I extend my deepest sympathies to her husband, Rove McManus, and her family and friends."

Opposition Leader Kim Beazley also passed on his sympathy to the Emmett and McManus families.

"This is truly sad news which I think will affect all Australians," Mr Beazley said.

"The tenderness and care in their relationship (Rove and Belinda) through their adversity, I think, has been an inspiration to many, many Australians."

Details of Emmett's funeral arrangements were not immediately available.

[ste]

Actually there were 3 people who played Rebecca Fisher/Nash on the show.

Actually there have been 4 actresses play Rebecca.. you missed one out

Your avatar is very fitting, it's a very sad day. I always remember as Rebecca she was so chirpy and had beautiful long blonde hair. Belinda was so strong and couragous over the last few years. She has fought cancer for so long and always kept a smile on her face. It's tragic but at least she's in peace now.

Bye Belinda

[ter06]

Is Belinda the first H&A cast member to die? I can't say I've heard of anyone else.

I think she is.. Correct me if I am wrong.

Poor Rove, its really sad that she beat the breast cancer and then the bone cancer got her Life is so unfair

Megan Connolly who played Rebecca for a few weeks when Belinda underwent chemotheraphy during her breast cancer treatment also died. I am not sure if anyone else has died.

[summerbay4eva]

yes heres some pics as requested

heartfelt wishes go out to all her family