Australian entertainer Maria Venuti is in an induced coma following a stroke.

The performer had the stroke at her Gladesville home in New South Wales on Saturday morning.

Entertainment reporter Peter Ford told 3AW Breakfast about the call he received from his dear friend following reports of a stalker.

‘About five weeks ago she rang me…and said I’ve got a stalker I’m terrified,’ Ford said.

At 75-years-old, Venuti has been in the entertainment industry for 60 years, and never had plans of slowing down until now.

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