Home and Away icon Lyn Collingwood has been forced to set the record straight after becoming the target of a shocking and deeply upsetting online death hoax —

a false rumor that left hundreds of devoted fans reeling and sparked an emotional wave across social media. The drama began when a Facebook post

began circulating, claiming that the beloved actress — forever etched in viewers’ hearts as the sharp-tongued yet lovable Colleen Smart — had passed away at home following

a long illness. Within hours, messages of grief flooded comment sections. “Oh no, RIP,” wrote one devastated fan. “Summer Bay was never the same after she left,” shared another, echoing the sentiment of many who credit Collingwood’s comedic brilliance with shaping the golden era of the show.

There was just one glaring problem: Lyn Collingwood is very much alive.

Now in her 80s, the veteran performer was reportedly as stunned as everyone else to learn that she had been declared deceased online. With characteristic wit and resilience, she quickly shut down the rumor. “No, I’m not dead,” she confirmed cheerfully in a recent interview. “It’s going to happen one day, but not yet.” True to form, she even managed to inject humor into the bizarre situation, joking that while she may enjoy a glass of red wine, she is “still here.”

The incident has reignited conversations about the emotional toll of celebrity death hoaxes, particularly on aging performers whose legacies remain cherished by generations of fans. For many viewers, the false report felt personal. Collingwood’s portrayal of Colleen Smart wasn’t just comic relief — it was a cornerstone of early Summer Bay storytelling.

Lyn first appeared on Home and Away during its formative years, starring in the first two seasons alongside Peter Vroom as her on-screen son Lance Smart. Their mother-son dynamic quickly became a highlight, blending humor with heartfelt family moments. Although she departed after the show’s early run, Collingwood triumphantly returned in 1999 as a regular cast member, cementing her status as one of the series’ most memorable characters.

Colleen’s sharp observations, unapologetic gossiping, and iconic catchphrase — “You who, it’s only me!” — became embedded in Australian pop culture. Her ability to deliver biting one-liners while maintaining an endearing vulnerability made her a fan favorite for decades. Viewers often describe her as the glue that held certain eras of the show together, offering levity amid Summer Bay’s frequent storms of betrayal, heartbreak, and disaster.

While some fans had quietly hoped for another cameo appearance, Collingwood has gently put those rumors to rest. In recent interviews, she admitted that while a return might have tempted her a few years ago, time has changed her perspective. “A few years ago, I might have considered it,” she said candidly. “But now I’m that much older — and about 12 inches shorter,” she joked, embracing her retirement with grace.

Instead of stepping back entirely, Collingwood has channeled her creativity into a new passion: writing. She has recently completed a detailed and deeply personal history of the Sydney suburb where she grew up, a project she describes as both fascinating and fulfilling. In a twist that amused longtime fans, she couldn’t resist referencing one of Colleen’s infamous storylines involving plagiarism. “It’s funny because there was a Home and Away storyline about Colleen plagiarizing something,” she quipped. “But this book definitely isn’t plagiarized.”

The false death announcement, while upsetting, has also served as a powerful reminder of just how deeply loved Collingwood remains. Tributes poured in not only from fans but also from former colleagues who were quick to express relief once the truth emerged. For many cast members past and present, Collingwood represents a foundational pillar of the show’s success — a performer whose comedic timing and authenticity elevated every scene she touched.

Industry insiders say the incident highlights the growing problem of misinformation spreading unchecked on social media platforms. For aging actors in particular, such rumors can cause unnecessary distress not only to fans but to families and friends who may encounter the news without context. Fortunately, Collingwood’s good humor and resilience have helped defuse what could have been a far more traumatic situation.

As for her legacy, it remains firmly intact. Even years after her final appearance in Summer Bay, Colleen Smart continues to trend in fan forums and retrospective discussions about the soap’s most iconic characters. Clips of her classic scenes circulate regularly, introducing her sharp wit to new audiences discovering the series for the first time.

In many ways, the outpouring of grief — premature though it was — underscores the enduring power of her performance. The emotional response revealed just how significant her presence was in the daily lives of viewers who grew up with Home and Away as a staple of Australian television.

For now, Lyn Collingwood is embracing life off-screen, grateful for the affection that still surrounds her and amused — if slightly bewildered — by her accidental brush with online immortality.

One thing is certain: when the real curtain call eventually comes — hopefully many years from now — Summer Bay won’t just mourn a character. It will honor a legend.