Joan Sydney (5 September 1936, in London, England) is an English-born Australian actress best known for her work on Australian television with more than 40 years experience mainly in the genres of soap operas and serial (radio and television). In recent years she has become best known for her role as Valda Sheergold in the long-running serial Neighbours, originally as a semi-regular recurring basis from 2002, and then becoming a permanent member in the 2007-2008 season. She has also appeared in made for television movies, and appeared as Cliffs mum in the telemovie Cliffy in 2013, based on Cliff Young.

Biography

Sydney's son is Tony Braxton-Smith, CEO of Great Southern Rail.