Lynne McGranger

Lynne McGranger (born 29 January 1953) is an Australian-born actress best known for her role as Irene Roberts on soap opera Home and Away. She is currently the second-longest serving cast member after original Ray Meagher. Lynne has currently played the role of Irene Roberts for 22 years. She joined the series in 1993, taking over from actress Jacqui Phillips who originally portrayed the character of Irene in 1991 and 1992.

Life and career

McGranger was originally a primary school teacher who trained at the Riverina College of Advanced Education in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales in 1975 where she had her initial actor training. She started her career in stage roles, early roles included Rose in Bye Bye Birdie and Anita in West Side Story. After further experience with the Q Theatre in Penrith, west of Sydney, she started working in television and won a small part in soap opera The Flying Doctors. On 12 January 1993 she joined the cast of Home and Away originally as a guest. She was made a permanent cast member on 7 October 1993. In 2014 Lynne overtook Kate Richie as the longest serving actress to play the same character in Australian television.