Val Lehman

Valerie Kathleen Lehman, born on 15 March 1943 in Perth, Western Australia, is an Australian actress and director. She is best known for portraying the antagonist character 'Top Dog' and Queen Bea Smith in the Australian TV series 'Prisoner' (known internationally as 'Prisoner: Cell Block H') for the first five series from 1979 to 1983. Lehman studied arts at RMIT University in Melbourne after relocating from Perth. She has been married twice, first to Frank Lehman and later to Charles Collins. Lehman has two daughters, both of whom appeared in 'Prisoner'. Cassandra Lehman played her drug-addicted on-screen daughter Debbie, and Joanne appeared as Yvonne. Val also has a son named Jason. In 2021, she was honored with the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to the performing arts industry.