Sunday 13th of July 2025

Elspeth Ballantyne: Iconic Australian Actress and Star of Prisoner as Meg Jackson

Elspeth Ballantyne is an accomplished Australian actress best known for her role as Meg Jackson/Morris in the television series Prisoner (known internationally as Prisoner: Cell Block H). Born on April 20, 1939, in Adelaide, South Australia, Ballantyne came from a creative family. She began her acting career in the 1960s, starring in a variety of Australian television series and films.

Elspeth Ballantyne

Her portrayal of Meg Morris in Prisoner remains her most iconic role, which she played from 1979 to 1986, gaining her international recognition. Throughout her career, Ballantyne has been known for her versatility and dedication to the Australian entertainment industry, having worked in drama, film, and soap operas.

Her other notable work includes roles in Bellbird, Blue Heelers, and various Australian films. Elspeth Ballantyne remains a respected figure in Australian television history.

Elspeth Ballantyne is a respected Australian actress, best known for her iconic role as Meg Morris in Prisoner. Her performance in this long-running series made her a household name in Australia and gained her international fame. Ballantyne's versatility across various television and film roles highlights her significant contribution to Australian entertainment. Her lasting influence is seen through her decades-long career, where she continuously demonstrated her ability to portray complex characters. Overall, she remains a celebrated figure in the history of Australian television.

Elspeth Ballantyne has appeared in a variety of films, TV shows, and short films over the years. Some of her most notable work includes her role as prison officer Meg Jackson in the iconic Australian TV series Prisoner (also known as Prisoner: Cell Block H), a role she held throughout the entire eight-year run of the show. She also reprised this character in the stage adaptation that toured the UK.

She first gained fame on the TV series Bellbird, where she portrayed the librarian Lori Chandler. Additionally, Ballantyne has featured in films like The Caterpillar Wish and Moonlight & Magic, and she had a recurring role in Neighbours during the early 1990s. Her contributions to Australian cinema and television have left a lasting impact, making her one of the prominent figures in the industry.

Her work is also archived on Australia's National Film and Sound Archive's online platform, providing detailed insights into her career​(

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