Maria Venuti in critical condition after she was found on bathroom floor during 'stalking' complaint

Australian entertainer Maria Venuti remains in a critical but stable condition after she was found semi-conscious by police who were responding to an alleged stalker outside her home.

NSW Police claim about 8.40am on Saturday officers arrived at Ms Venuti’s Gladesville home, following reports of an alleged trespassing.

When police arrive they found a man, 38, carrying flowers on the front fence of the home.

A police spokesman said the man had a conversation with police and allegedly violently resisted detention.

He was tasered and taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for a mental health assessment.

When police went to check on Ms Venuti, they found her semi-conscious on her bathroom floor.

She was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.

It is claimed Ms Venuti regained consciousness on Monday morning but has been unable to speak with police.

A forensic examination of the scene found no signs of forced entry into her home or any physical contact between the alleged stalker and Ms Venuti.

Police have confirmed they had been previously called to Ms Venuti’s home in September, when the same man had gone to her front door with flowers.

At the time he was detained in a nearby street for a mental health assessment.

Friends claim the accused had been harassing the star for weeks prior to the first incident.

Last week Ms Venuti made a colourful appearance at the Melbourne Cup.

Ms Venuti’s daughter Bianca has asked for “prayers, mantras and good vibes for Maria over the next few days”.

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

The actor, best known for her role as Mama Gigliott in Pizza, has worked in the entertainment industry for 50 years.

"If you are someone in the public eye and you have already raised concerns with the police about a potential stalker, it should be taken incredibly seriously," friend Melissa Hoyer said.

"Sadly, like a lot of us in this business, I too have been stalked. I've had death threats, I've had obscene phone calls," Susie Elelman added.

In a statement, police say the officers' response was "considered reasonable given the circumstances".

"Let's hope all that energy that she always gives the rest of Australia now helps her," Ms Hoyer said.