Veteran Australian Actor Terence Donovan Dies Aged 90

Australia — Ekhbary News Agency

British-Australian actor Terence Donovan, a household name for his memorable roles in long-running series like 'Neighbours' and 'Home and Away', has passed away at the age of 90. His family confirmed he died peacefully on Saturday night in Melbourne, Australia, with his actor son Jason Donovan sharing the news publicly.

A Legacy of Performance and Advocacy

Jason, alongside his brother Paul, expressed profound grief, stating, "Our Dad was a huge character, larger than life. He was our best friend ... our world!" They found solace in knowing they were by his side during his final moments, a sentiment many families share, as it happens. Donovan, born in London, garnered significant popularity for his work in Australian police dramas 'Division 4' and 'Cop Shop' during the 1970s and 1980s, cementing his status as a versatile performer.

Championing Australian Television

His career, spanning six decades, began as a singer before his screen debut in the early 1960s. He later joined 'Neighbours' in the 1990s as Doug Willis, following his son Jason's departure, and also appeared as Al Simpson on 'Home and Away'. Beyond acting, Donovan was a vocal advocate for the Australian film and television industry in the early 1970s. His son Jason highlighted that this campaign led to a crucial obligation for commercial broadcasters to feature Australian stories, a move that undeniably fostered the growth of a distinct national cinematic identity. Without such pioneering efforts, the landscape of Australian storytelling might look vastly different today.