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Singer and actress Maria Venuti in induced coma after stroke

Australian singer and entertainer Maria Venuti is in an induced coma after she suffered a stroke in Sydney.

The vivacious cabaret performer and actor, 75, had the stroke at her Gladesville home on Saturday morning.

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Maria Venuti hospitalised after stroke

75 year-old Australian singer and actress Maria Venuti reportedly suffered a stroke after she found a stranger on her property on Saturday morning. Vision courtesy Channel 7.

A 38-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for assessment. 

Police have declined to comment on reports that the man had been stalking Ms Venuti.

Her daughter Bianca is by her side at hospital and has thanked the entertainment industry for its outpouring of love and support, Australian Ladies Variety Association (ALVA) president Susie Smither wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday.

"Bianca has let us know there is no change at this stage and we must all be grateful that the situation has not worsened," Ms Smither said.

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"The doctors need 24 hours to ascertain what has happened and to come to decisions on what needs to be done," she wrote.

Ms Venuti has worked in the entertainment industry for 50 years, having appeared on stage, television and cinema. She starred in the film Fat Pizza Vs. Housos, which was produced, directed and written by Logie Award winner Paul Fenech.

Hospitalised: Maria Venuti.
Hospitalised: Maria Venuti. Photo: Supplied

She is known for her charity work, with involvement in Australia's Biggest Blood Pressure Check in 2014 and raising awareness of stroke with the Stroke Foundation.

"It's come as a shock, very surprising, God love her," Ms Smither said.

"We're hoping for a good result and that it's not too bad," she said. "We just need prayers."

At home with Maria Venuti

In 2013, Fairfax Media's Shelly Horton stepped into the gold and red, leopard print glamour of entertainer Maria Venuti's home.

MARIA VENUTI Hi Everyone, Just walked on the door half an hour ago to receive the call re Maria. This morning...

Posted by ALVA - Women In Entertainment page on Saturday, 5 November 2016

With AAP

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