Scooby-Doo actress Heather North who voiced the character of Daphne Blake dies at age 71 after long illness

The California native began voicing the character of Daphne in 1970
She went on to work on spinoffs and movies like Scooby-Doo Goes Hollywood
And the star also worked in front of the camera on TV shows such as Adam-12
Her biggest film role was opposite Kurt Russell in 1971's The Barefoot Executive

Published: 21:57 GMT, 19 December 2017 | Updated: 22:15 GMT, 19 December 2017

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Heather North has died at the age of 71 in Studio City, California after suffering from a long illness.

The blonde actress was best known for voicing the character of attractive young sleuth Daphne Blake on the popular animated TV series Scooby-Doo.

North had time in front of the camera as well as she starred on the TV shows Love American Style, Adam-12 and Days Of Our Lives.

Gone too soon: Heather North has died at the age of 71. She passed away in Studio City, California after suffering from a long illness. Seen in 1972

Her best role: The actress was best known for voicing the character of pretty sleuth Daphne Blake on the animated TV series Scooby-Doo, which debuted in 1970

She passed away on November 30 surrounded by family, her friend Jodie Mann told The Hollywood Reporter.

The star first voiced Daphne in 1970 during the second season of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!

She had replaced Stefanianna Christopherson.

Also on the show was Casey Kasem as Shaggy, Nicole Jaffe as Velma, Don Messick as Scooby-Doo and Frank Welker as Fred.

Her co-stars: Also on the show was Casey Kasem as Shaggy, Nicole Jaffe as Velma, Don Messick as Scooby-Doo and Frank Welker as Fred

Then in 1972 and 1973 she worked on The New Scooby-Doo Movies.

She continued to voice Daphne through the many spinoffs and specials, like 1979's Scooby-Doo Goes Hollywood and 1984's The New Scooby-Doo Mysteries.

Her last Scooby-Doo job was in 2003 with Scooby-Doo And The Monster Of Mexico.

North also starred in several movies. In 1965 the star was in Git! and in 1970 she had a role in I Love My Wife.

Her man: The beauty was married to H Wesley Kenney, who died in January 2015. He was a Emmy winning soap opera director

The California native played Kurt Russell's romantic partner in Disney's 1971 feature The Barefoot Executive. That film was about a chimpanzee that could tell which TV shows would be a hit and which would not.

She also stood out in the beach movie Gidget.

The beauty was married to H Wesley Kenney, who died in January 2015. He was a Emmy winning soap opera director.

Fun in the Seventies: The California native played Kurt Russell's romantic partner in Disney's 1971 feature The Barefoot Executive

Survivors include her son Kevin and daughter-in-law Stephanie; stepdaughter Nina and her husband Brent; stepson Wes and his wife Leslie; and granddaughter Jocelyn.

Another stepdaughter, Kara, died just a week ago.

A memorial service is set for 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at First Christian Church in Studio City.