Jason Donovan has announced the death of his father, Neighbours star Terence Donovan, at the age of 90. Terence, best known for playing Doug Willis in the Australian soap, appeared in 570 episodes and also starred in rival soap Home and Away as Al Simpson. His career included roles in Homicide, Sons and Daughters, and films such as Breaker Morant and The Man from Snowy River.
Family and Early Life
Born in London in October 1935, Terence moved to Australia in the late 1950s. He married Jason's mother, TV presenter Sue McIntosh, in 1965, but the marriage ended after seven years. He later married Marlene Saunders in November 1981, and their son Paul was born the following year.
Jason's Tribute
Confirming his father's death, Jason said in a statement: "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. Obviously this is an extremely emotional time and we ask you to respect our privacy. We want to pay tribute to all the wonderful staff at Cabrini Hospital, Melbourne who looked after him in his final days."
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. Knowing that he lived life to the max. Knowing that in life it's either a daring adventure... or nothing at all! How lucky are we to have a dad like you."
Legacy in Australian Television
Jason later took to Instagram to praise his father's efforts in the 1970s to lobby successive governments to change policy on local content quotas, under the campaign 'T.V. Make it Australian'. He wrote: "These efforts actually worked and with bipartisan support an Australian film and television industry was created out of nothing. The result of that campaign was an obligation on commercial television broadcasters to broadcast Australian stories. It also led to the creation of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School."
He continued: "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, Picnic at Hanging Rock, Priscilla, Muriel’s Wedding, Crocodile Dundee, Strictly Ballroom etc. Without his action there would not have been Neighbours or Home and Away."
Celebrity Support
A host of celebrities sent their condolences, including Dannii Minogue, who wrote: "I am so sorry you have lost your father. I love to hear about his achievements - this one here is incredible and it is lovely to see how proud you are." Gaby Roslin said: "I am so sorry Jason for your loss. Sending you and your family my deepest sympathies and love and strength and he’ll always be on your heart." Jackie O commented: "Oh Jason, I’m so sorry. What a perfect tribute to your dad and what an incredible legacy he leaves behind." Myf Warhurst stated: "So sorry to hear the news about your dear Dad. What an incredible legacy! Lots of love to you and the family."
