Terence Donovan, the celebrated Australian actor and father of Neighbours star Jason Donovan, has died at the age of 90. He passed away peacefully in Melbourne over the weekend, surrounded by family.
Jason Donovan's Tribute
Jason Donovan announced the news on Instagram, signing the message alongside his brother Paul. The siblings described their father as a "huge character" and their "best friend." The statement read: "It is with great sadness but also a sense of celebration of a long, full life that myself and my brother Paul announce our father Terence died peacefully last night here in Melbourne."
He added: "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." The family thanked the staff at Cabrini Hospital in Melbourne for their care.
Career Spanning Seven Decades
Terence Donovan began acting in the early 1960s, with a career that spanned almost seven decades. His notable film roles include Breaker Morant and The Man from Snowy River. On television, he appeared in Homicide, Sons and Daughters, and Home and Away. He also reprised his role as Doug Willis in Neighbours in 2022, the show that made his son a global star.
Personal Life
Born in London in October 1935, Donovan moved to Australia in the late 1950s. He married TV presenter Sue McIntosh in 1965; the marriage ended after seven years. Their son Jason was born in 1968. Jason Donovan, now 58, is best known for playing Scott Robinson opposite Kylie Minogue in Neighbours.
Family and Legacy
In 2024, Jason expressed excitement about becoming a grandparent. He met his wife Angela Malloch while working on The Rocky Horror Show; she was a stage manager. They have three children: Jemma, Zac, and Molly. Jason said he looks forward to the day he becomes a grandfather.
The Donovan family has requested privacy during this emotional time.
