Terence Donovan, the actor best known for portraying Doug Willis on the Australian soap opera Neighbours and Al Simpson on Home and Away, has died at the age of 90. His family confirmed the news on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Son Jason Donovan Pays Tribute
Donovan's son, actor and singer Jason Donovan, announced the death in a statement. He said that Terence died peacefully at Cabrini Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, on Saturday night. Jason wrote: "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 continued: "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."
Jason 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."
Career Highlights
Terence Donovan was a familiar face on Australian television. He played Doug Willis on Neighbours and Al Simpson on Home and Away, two of the country's most popular soap operas. His characters were beloved by fans, and his contributions to the genre were significant.
Donovan's acting career spanned several decades, and he was known for his larger-than-life personality both on and off screen. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
