Neighbours legend Terence Donovan dies at 90

British‑Australian actor Terence Donovan, best remembered for his long‑running parts in the soap operas Neighbours and Home and Away, has died at the age of 90. A humble football player turned singer, the actor moved to Australia as a teenager before forging a six‑decade career on screen and stage.

His son, actor Jason Donovan, confirmed that the elder Donovan spent his final hours peacefully in Melbourne. Jason posted on Facebook, calling his father “a huge character, larger than life” and sharing touching memories of their time together.

Donovan’s television career began in the early 1960s and blossomed with standout stints as Detective Mick Peters in the 1970s crime series Division 4 and as Vic Cameron in the Cop Shop police drama. In the 1990s he joined the cast of Neighbours as Doug Willis, and also appeared on the long‑running series Home and Away in the role of Al Simpson.

His film work included roles in classics such as The Man from Snowy River, Breaker Morant, and Picnic at Hanging Rock. Off‑screen, Donovan was a staunch advocate for Australian storytelling during the 1970s‑80s, campaigning to secure broadcast rights for local productions and helping usher in a golden age for the country’s film and television output.

The Donovan family noted that his presence at the family’s graveside on the weekend of the funeral was a source of comfort and support for everyone. The world of Australian soaps, and fans worldwide, will miss the legendary presence of a man who put life, drama, and humour in one tidy package.

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