Australian Model and Actress Annalise Braakensiek Dies at 46

Australian actress and model Annalise Braakensiek has died at the age of 46, according to The Guardian. The cause of death is currently unknown, though police said there were no suspicious circumstances. She was found in her Sydney home Sunday when police conducted a welfare check.

Braakensiek began modeling as a teenager. She appeared on the covers of large fashion magazines and became the face of multiple brands including Levi’s and Guinness. She started acting in Australian TV shows in the late 90s and was most known for her role as Claudia Macpherson on the comedy “Pizza.”

Braakensiek was also a mental health advocate and ambassador for R U OK?, a suicide prevention charity in Australia.

“I urge you to remember that even the smallest gesture, the simple sincere question of R U OK? can quite literally turn a life around,” she said on the charity’s website. “Listen to your gut and keep checking in with anyone one you’re worried about.”

R U OK? released a statement on Twitter that the team was “devastated to hear of the loss of much loved and respected R U OK? Ambassador Annalise Braakensiek.”

“Annalise has been a huge voice for suicide prevention in Australia… We couldn’t have asked for a more genuine, kind and sincere spokesperson,” the charity’s CEO Brendon Maher said.

The R U OK? team are devastated to hear of the loss of much loved and respected R U OK? Ambassador Annalise Braakensiek. Our heartfelt condolences are with her friends, family and all those whose lives she touched. pic.twitter.com/ovTSm3d1Nw

— R U OK? (@ruokday) January 7, 2019

Braakensiek told her Instagram followers in December that 2018 had been a hard year for her. She thanked those who were there for her throughout the year.

Fans and coworkers shared their condolences on Twitter.

Horrible news about beautiful Annalise Braakensiek. We worked on segments together for #RUOK day. She was so special. A thoughtful, kind ray of light who just wanted everyone to be happy. So forthcoming about her struggles with depression to try help others. A gentle fighter, RIP

— Lucy Thackray (@LucyThack) January 6, 2019

For Annalise ???? You will be sadly missed. My love to your family and friends now and forever. #Rip #annalisebraakensiek

— Sonia Kruger (@SoniaKruger) January 7, 2019

The sad and crippling news of Annalise Braakensiek’s death is testament to the insidious creep of depression and mental illness. But for every high profile victim like Annalise there are dozens, hundreds of not knowns. Let’s pause to remember them all.

— Dennis Atkins (@dwabriz) January 7, 2019

So deeply saddened to wake to the news that Annalise Braakensiek is no longer with us.
We worked together modeling around the world and then on the cult Tv show ‘Fat Pizza’ where we… https://t.co/tfxpV4Qn9N

— Tania Zaetta (@taniazaetta) January 6, 2019

If this news is hard for you, know you are not alone — and there is help for people who feel suicidal. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “START” to 741-741. Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.