BARBARA Callcott, who became an icon of Australian pop culture as "Mrs Marsh'' in toothpaste TV commercials, died this morning.

She starred in Colgate's advertising for many years, starting from the late 1970s.



Ms Callcott died peacefully in her home of many years at Noosa on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.



"In honour of her legacy, Colgate will be initiating an education grant in her name in recognition of her contribution to oral health education. Colgate staff are saddened by the news and extend their condolences to Barbara's family," Chris Pedersen, Managing Director, Colgate, said this afternoon.



He said Ms Callcott had continued to support the education of Australian children on the benefits of good oral health habits 'off screen' right up until this month.



Arguably the most famous part of her TV ads was dipping chalk into a dye and cracking it in half to show how a toothpaste could help tooth enamel.