During the latest episode of BBC Breakfast on Sunday, July 19, 2026, hosts Luxmy Gopal and Lewis Vaughan Jones delivered the sad news of the death of Australian actor Terence Donovan at the age of 90. Donovan was best known for his role as Doug Willis in the long-running soap opera Neighbours, a character he reprised multiple times over the years. He also played Al Simpson in Home and Away.
Jason Donovan Announces Father's Death
Terence Donovan's son, actor and singer Jason Donovan, announced the death on social media, describing his father as a "huge character" and his "best friend." In a joint statement with his brother Paul, posted on Instagram Stories earlier on Sunday, 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." The statement 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."
A Life Lived to the Max
Jason and Paul described their father as a "larger than life" character who was their "best friend." They expressed that they will "desperately miss him" but took comfort in knowing they were with him during his final days. The statement concluded: "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
After moving to Australia as a teenager, Terence Donovan began his career as a singer before making his screen debut in the early 1960s. He secured notable roles as Detective Mick Peters in Division 4 and Detective Senior Sergeant Vic Cameron in Cop Shop. Over a six-decade career in television, he also appeared in films such as The Man from Snowy River and Breaker Morant, alongside numerous stage performances.
Legacy and Tributes
Following the emotional tribute on social media, Jason Donovan also celebrated his father's achievements, including Terence's efforts in the early 1970s to use his profile to support the Australian film and TV industry. BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am.
