Australian actress who rose to fame in iconic role on Prisoner dies at age 95

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Australian actress Patsy King has died at the age of 95. 

Val Lehman, the celebrated actress best known for her role as Governor Erica Davidson in the iconic Australian series Prisoner, died in Melbourne on Monday after a brief illness.

She is survived by her sister Valerie Logada. 

The beloved actress starred in 351 episodes of Prisoner, becoming famous for her role as the Governor of Wentworth Correctional Centre.

Besides her role on Prisoner, King also appeared in many other well-known Australian TV shows.

King was likewise beloved as one of the original presenters on ABC children’s show Play School. 

She appeared in several popular television series, including “Homicide,” “Matlock Police,” “Division 4,” and “The Box.”

She appeared in several successful Australian TV shows, including “The Sullivans,” and also had roles in the mini-series “Power Without Glory” and “The Rivals.”

Born in Melbourne, actress King began her career on stage in 1951 after studying acting at the city’s National Theatre.

Her roles on stage included lead roles in Summer of the Seventeenth Doll and Peter Pan. 

In 1963, she received the Erik Award for Best Actress for her performance as Agnes in the play, The Fourposter.

King also took her role in Prisoner to the stage in the UK. 

The actress reprised her role as Governor Erica Davidson in the 1989 stage production of Prisoner: Cell Block H.

The play was a smash hit, playing to sold-out audiences, and was followed with a UK tour. 

King also had a radio career, working for the ABC and a number of commercial stations.

Let me tell you a little about my friend – she tied the knot with John Sumner, the man who started the Melbourne Theatre Company, back in 1959. It was a lovely match, but sadly, they went their separate ways after about eight years.

In addition to her own performances on stage and screen, King also fostered new talent. 

She played a key role in starting a Children’s Theatre at Monash University and also contributed to the Melbourne Writers’ Theatre as both a committee member and director.

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2026-01-21 15:13