Neighbours actor Terence Donovan dies aged 90

Terence Donovan, a prominent British-Australian actor celebrated for his roles in the long-running soap operas "Neighbours" and "Home and Away," has passed away at the age of 90.

“

Our Dad was a huge character, larger than life. He was our best friend ... our world! We will desperately miss him but we take comfort knowing we were all here by his side in his final days.

His son, actor Jason Donovan, announced his father's death, stating he died peacefully in Melbourne on Saturday night. "Our Dad was a huge character, larger than life. He was our best friend ... our world! We will desperately miss him but we take comfort knowing we were all here by his side in his final days," Jason shared in a heartfelt tribute.

“

How lucky are we to have a Dad like you.

Born in London, Donovan built a distinguished career spanning six decades. He gained significant recognition for his performances in Australian police dramas "Division 4" and "Cop Shop" during the 1970s and 1980s. He later joined the cast of "Neighbours" in the 1990s, portraying Doug Willis, shortly after his son Jason departed the show. Donovan also appeared as Al Simpson in "Home and Away."

“

The result of that campaign was an obligation on commercial television broadcasters to broadcast Australian stories.

Beyond his television work, Donovan's film credits include notable roles in "The Man from Snowy River" and "Breaker Morant." He also graced the stage in numerous theatrical productions. Jason Donovan highlighted his father's instrumental role in championing the Australian film and television industry in the early 1970s. His advocacy led to regulations requiring commercial broadcasters to air Australian stories, a move credited with fostering the growth of the industry and paving the way for iconic Australian films.

“

Without people like my Dad we might not have seen the growth in the industry during the 70s and 80s and indirectly, Australian films such as The Man From Snowy River, Breaker Morant, Priscilla, Muriel's Wedding, Crocodile Dundee [and] Strictly Ballroom.