United Kingdom, Dec. 22 -- Modern Family star Helen Siff has died at the age of 88.

The actress - who enjoyed a prolific career in film and TV spanning five decades - passed away last Thursday (18.12.25) in Los Angeles as a result of complications from surgery for a "long, painful illness", her family announced.

They wrote in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter: "Those who worked with Helen knew her not just as a talented performer, but as someone who brought professionalism, dedication and genuine kindness to every set.

"She understood that every role, no matter how large or small, was an opportunity to contribute something meaningful to the story being told."

Helen made appearances in the sitcoms Modern Family and Will and Grace a...