The Australian television community is in mourning following the passing of beloved actress Belinda Giblin, a performer whose warmth, emotional depth,

and quiet strength left an indelible mark on Home and Away and the wider entertainment industry. Giblin died peacefully at her home at the age of 75 after

a period of declining health, surrounded by the comfort of family and familiar surroundings. News of her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues,

friends, and generations of fans who cherished her work.

In a statement released on behalf of the family, Giblin was remembered not only for her achievements on screen but for the grace and humour she carried into every corner of her life. “We are deeply saddened to announce Belinda’s passing,” the statement read. “She was an amazing mother, wife, grandmother, and friend. Although her health had been failing recently, she maintained her characteristic optimism and humour. We ask for privacy during this difficult time.” The message struck a chord with admirers who had long sensed the warmth behind her performances.

For Home and Away viewers, Belinda Giblin will forever be associated with Martha Stewart, the first wife of iconic character Alf Stewart, played by Ray Meagher. While Martha’s original storyline dated back decades, it was Giblin’s unexpected return to the role in 2018 that cemented her place in the show’s modern legacy. Long presumed dead, Martha’s reappearance sent shockwaves through Summer Bay, reigniting a love story many believed had been lost to time.

Giblin’s portrayal of Martha was both tender and unflinching. She brought extraordinary nuance to a character navigating profound emotional complexity, including the challenges of Borderline Personality Disorder and serious physical illness. Rather than reducing Martha to tragedy, Giblin infused her with resilience, vulnerability, and an aching humanity that resonated deeply with viewers. The storyline did not shy away from difficult conversations about mental health and aging, and Giblin’s performance was widely praised for its honesty and compassion.

Central to the power of Martha’s return was Giblin’s on-screen chemistry with Ray Meagher. Together, they crafted a portrait of enduring love marked by regret, forgiveness, and an unbreakable bond forged across decades. Their scenes were often quiet, emotionally rich, and devastatingly effective—proof that long-running soaps can still deliver storytelling of remarkable depth when anchored by seasoned performers.

Ray Meagher paid a heartfelt tribute following the news, describing the loss as deeply personal. “I’ve lost a dear friend and a wonderful acting partner,” he said. “Belinda was a woman of rare talent and a generous heart. She brought such truth to everything she did, and working with her was a privilege. She will be dearly missed.” His words echoed the sentiments of many who had worked alongside Giblin over the years.

Born on March 2, 1950, Belinda Giblin enjoyed a career that spanned decades and mediums. Long before her return to Home and Away, she was a familiar face on Australian television, appearing in influential series such as The Box, The Sullivans, and Sons and Daughters. Each role showcased her versatility, from sharp dramatic turns to emotionally layered character work that elevated the material around her.

Beyond television, Giblin was also a respected stage actress, earning admiration for her commitment to the craft and her ability to command an audience with subtlety rather than spectacle. Colleagues often spoke of her professionalism and generosity, noting that she was as supportive behind the scenes as she was compelling on stage or screen. Younger actors, in particular, have credited her with offering guidance, encouragement, and kindness at pivotal moments in their careers.

The impact of Giblin’s passing has been felt keenly across social media, where fans have shared memories of watching Martha and Alf’s love story unfold, both in its early chapters and during its poignant revival. Many viewers expressed gratitude for the way Giblin’s performance helped them feel seen during their own struggles with loss, mental health, or aging. “She made Martha feel real,” one fan wrote. “Not just a character, but someone you knew and cared about.”

Industry figures have also highlighted the significance of Giblin’s later work, noting that her return to Home and Away challenged assumptions about age and relevance in television. At a time when older female characters are too often sidelined, Giblin’s Martha was central, complex, and emotionally vital—a reminder that powerful stories do not diminish with time.

While her health had been declining in recent years, those close to Giblin say she faced the challenges with the same quiet strength that defined her performances. She remained engaged, curious, and wryly humorous, qualities that endeared her to friends and family alike. Her passing, though not unexpected, has nonetheless left a profound sense of loss.

As tributes continue to pour in, one theme emerges again and again: Belinda Giblin was not only admired for what she brought to the screen, but for who she was as a person. She was a storyteller, a collaborator, and a presence that made others feel safe, understood, and valued.

Though she is gone, Belinda Giblin’s legacy endures—in the unforgettable scenes she gave to Home and Away, in the countless performances that shaped Australian television, and in the hearts of those who watched her bring truth to every role she touched. Her work will continue to be discovered by new audiences, and her impact will be felt long after the final credits roll.

In Summer Bay and beyond, Belinda Giblin will be remembered not just as Martha Stewart, but as a cherished artist whose light, compassion, and talent enriched Australian storytelling for generations.