Tributes have started to flow for much-loved Australian actor Penny Cook, who has died, aged 61.

Best known for her role as veterinarian Vicky Dean in the TV drama series A Country Practice, Cook died from cancer on Wednesday night.

The two-time Logie winner’s most recent TV role was as nurse Carol Little in Pulse, which aired on the ABC in 2017.

In a statement released by her management company, Cook’s family said their “beloved partner, mother, daughter, sister and dear friend” died peacefully.

“The family wish to express their thanks for all messages of condolence forwarded to them,” the statement said.

Rest in peace Penny Cook.

Actress Penny Cook has died aged 61. "Her family wish to advise that the much loved Penny Cook, beloved partner, mother, daughter, sister, and dear friend, died peacefully last night, of cancer, surrounded by family." https://t.co/688Uvj7fRP pic.twitter.com/jsYjTZlQ1y

— 7NEWS Brisbane (@7NewsBrisbane) December 27, 2018

Co-stars and fans from all walks of life – from comedians and politicians to journalists and colleagues – took to social media to express their gratitude to Cook for her myriad contributions to Australian cultural life.

Comedian Anthony Ackroyd was speaking for many with his tweet:  “Farewell Penny Cook. Anyone who spoke to you knew they were speaking to a good and decent human being.”

To “A Country Practice” fans, she will always be Vicky the vet, but Penny Cook was a brilliant actress, director, storyteller and tv presenter as well as a passionate advocate for young people in the theatre through Monkey Baa and @ATYP_Theatre #RIPPennyCook 🙏🏻 https://t.co/DZWLYvEghk

— Angela Bishop OAM (@AngelaBishop) December 27, 2018

I was fortunate enough to have Penny Cook play my mother on All Saints. She was one of the most generous, caring and humble actors I’ve ever had the chance to work with. I’m so saddened by this news. My thoughts are with Poppy and David at this sad time. RIP Penny Xxx

— Robert Jago (@robert_jago) December 27, 2018

She graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in 1978 and first appeared on Australian TV screens in the soap series The Restless Years.

Next came A Country Practice from 1981 to 1985, for which she won a Logie in 1981.

That character’s marriage to doctor Simon Bowen in 1983 was one of the pivotal plot arcs in the show, which ran for 12 years from 1981 to 1993.

She was also known for her work on Australian drama The Flying Doctors, police drama Young Lions and spent a number of years as a presenter on The Great Outdoors.

She also played the original Dr Elly Fielding in the Ten Network soap E Street from 1989 to 1991, before being replaced in that role by Diane Craig.

In 1998 Cook had a daughter called Poppy. She was married to David Lynch and was previously married to broadcaster Clive Robertson.

Vale Penny Cook. Such a part of so many of our teens. Penny was also a champion of Australian stories and a founding member of @griffintheatre A very sad day.

— Julia Zemiro (@julia_zemiro) December 27, 2018

Watching Penny Cook perform a few months ago in The Almighty Sometimes at The Griffin Theatre in Sydney was a huge privilege. One of our great actors, telling yet another Australian story, at the theatre dedicated to our stories that Penny helped found. RIP

— Tony Burke (@Tony_Burke) December 27, 2018

We are all deeply saddened to lose our wonderful Penny Cook.
Simply irreplaceable.
And we respect the privacy of her family as they and we mourn her.
Terrible news.
Just terrible news.

— Shane Withington. (@ripperriver) December 27, 2018

Cook had a long involvement in the theatre, both as an actor and director, and was involved in nearly 40 stage productions.

In 1979 she helped form the Griffin Theatre Company (Sydney) for which she performed numerous times.

She appeared in Sir Peter Hall’s production of Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband, and in the John Bell/Richard Tognetti production of The Solder’s Tale with the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Cook was also a spokeswoman for several prominent Australian charities.

We are very sad to hear that Penny Cook is no longer with us. Doesn’t feel real. She was a truly wonderful person and we will miss her. https://t.co/tFO0umQg81

— Monkey Baa Theatre Company (@monkey_baa) December 27, 2018

RIP Penny Cook
I had such a big crush on her growing up. A Girl who loved animals won my heart anytime#PennyCook pic.twitter.com/T2zMDNTSlc

— Dave G (@attitudemilo) December 27, 2018

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Cook’s family has requested that donations be made to the Sydney-based Monkey Baa Theatre Company for Young People and the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.

A private cremation will be held for the actor, with a celebration of her life to be announced at a later date.