Neighbours star Jason Donovan has announced the passing of his father, British-Australian actor Terence Donovan, in a heartbreaking post. Jason, 58, shared an "extremely emotional" message on social media on Sunday morning (GST), confirming his dad, who also starred on Neighbours and the successful Australian soap opera Home and Away, died in Melbourne at age 90.
"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," Jason penned on Instagram, followed by family photos of him and his brother with their late father.
"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."
© Instagram/ @jdonofficialThe statement continued: "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."
Terence's career
Terence grew up in England before moving to Australia as a teenager. He made his screen debut in the '60s on the legal drama, Consider Your Verdict.
After his son's stint on Neighbours, Terence starred on the popular TV drama in the '90s as Doug Willis. He appeared on the series from 1990 to 1994. Terence was also known for his roles as Al Simpson on Home and Away and in television shows such as Division 4 and Cop Shop.
© Instagram/ @jdonofficialIn another social media post, Jason paid tribute to his late father's campaigning efforts for the Australian film and television industry. "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," he wrote.
He added: "I want to take this moment on my Dad’s passing to pay tribute to not only the actor and his body of work, but also his passion and purpose as a believer in an Australian identity and as a trailblazer for Australian stories."
Tributes flood in
Terence has been remembered by fans and stars alike for his long-time contributions to the industry.
Jason's ex-girlfriend Kylie Minogue's sister, Dannii Minogue, told the actor she was "so sorry you have lost your father", in a touching public message. "I love to hear about his achievements - this one here is incredible and it is lovely to how proud you are," she added.
TV and radio star Gaby Roslin also commented on Jason's tribute post: "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."
