Neighbours actor Donovan dies at 90

The British-born actor became one of Australia’s most recognisable television stars and a champion of the country’s film and television industry.

Melbourne: British-Austra­lian actor Terence Donovan, best known for his roles in Neighbours, Home and Away and the television dramas Division 4 and Cop Shop, has died aged 90, his family said. He died peacefully in Melbourne on Saturday.

Born in London, Donovan moved to Australia as a teenager and began his career as a singer before making his screen debut in the early 1960s. He went on to enjoy a television career spanning more than six decades, becoming one of Australia’s most recognisable television actors. He joined Neighbours in the 1990s as Doug Willis, shortly after his son, Jason Donovan, left the popular soap. He also appeared in films including The Man from Snowy River and Breaker Morant.

In a tribute, Jason Donovan described his father as a “larger than life” figure and said the family would miss him deeply. He also credited him with campaigning in the 1970s for greater Australian content on commercial television, helping strengthen the country's film and television industry.

Jason said the campaign led to Australian broadcasters carrying more local productions, contributing to the success of films such as Picnic at Hanging Rock, Crocodile Dundee, Muriel’s Wedding, Strictly Ballroom and The Man from Snowy River.