Former Neighbours child star Miranda Fryer, who played Sky Mangel, died in her sleep aged 34 in January 2022, less than two years after marrying her partner. She had left acting behind to pursue a career in nursing.
From Ramsey Street to Nursing
Miranda joined the cast of the Australian soap in 1989 as the daughter of Joe and Kerry Mangel, playing the role for three years. She was just 18 months old when she began on Ramsey Street and became the first child actor to receive a contract on the programme.
When Sky returned as a teenager in 2003, Miranda had already departed from acting and was succeeded by Stephanie McIntosh. Rather than continuing in showbusiness, she pursued nursing and had recently qualified before her death, with ambitions to advance her education further.
Plans Cut Short
She was due to join Monash Hospital's neuroscience department in February 2022 after completing her degree during the Covid pandemic and was eager to undertake a master's in neuroscience. Alongside her nursing qualification, she also held a certificate in hospitality and an art diploma.
Miranda wed her partner, Arthur Pothitis, in November 2020, and the pair hoped to start a family. She died in her sleep in January 2022, less than two years after marrying the "love of her life."
Family Tributes
Her family issued a statement at the time, saying: "True soulmates, Miranda and Arthur (Pothitis) were making plans to start their family, when one day last week she went to sleep and never woke up. We do not know why.
"She had had some health issues with her heart, maybe her beautiful persona was just too good for this world of ours. We, who all loved her so much, shall treasure the memories she has left us with and mourn our loss forever.
"A beautiful child, stunning teenager, beautiful inside, and out... a woman, with so much love and happiness given and received. So many friends, so much still to offer this world, gone."
Miranda's mother, Traci Hunter, told the Herald Sun: "She was the most wonderful daughter. She had so much love and passion for life." Describing her as a beacon of kindness and love, Traci added: "She was a truly kind, loving person, almost too good to be true... Miranda was adored by everyone."
Neighbours casting director Jan Russ also paid tribute, saying: "I feel so very sad to lose one of my cast and especially one so young as Miranda who spent her very young years on the show. I love them like my own and feel the loss when they pass." Neighbours fan account Erinsborough News also paid its respects on Instagram, writing: "Our deepest sympathies are extended to her family during this time."
