McLeod’s Daughters actor Marshall Napier has died aged 70, after a short battle with brain cancer.
The New Zealand-born thespian, who has starred in a string of Australian TV shows and films over the years, passed away on Sunday surrounded by family.
His daughter, fellow McLeod’s Daughters star Jessica Napier, announced the sad news on social media.
“It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my beautiful dad Marshall Napier. After a short and intense battle with brain cancer he left us this morning. He was peaceful and surrounded by family,” Jessica wrote on Instagram.
“Dad you are one of a kind and I can’t even understand what the world will be like without you in it. Your charisma and charm was second to none. Your creativity and intellect was my inspiration. I love you so much and feel completely lost without you. I’m glad that you can dream free of the pain and confusion.”
Napier played Harry Ryan on the beloved Australian TV drama from for five years from 2001.
Prior to that, Napier had roles in All Saints, Water Rats and Police Rescue. Napier also had a sprawling film resume, having starred in Babe Down Under and Little Monsters.
Fellow Australian showbiz stars have paid tribute to the actor.
Napier’s McLeod’s co-star Rodger Corser wrote on Jessica’s post, “What a commanding presence he was on a screen and stage. He always loved working with your Dad, a drier wit you could not find. ”
Another co-star from the hit TV drama, Charlie Clausen, said he was “so sorry”. “I loved working your dad. He was so generous with his time when I was just starting out in my career. He also had such a great sense of humour.”
Packed to the Rafters actress Rebecca Gibney said, “So sorry for your loss Jess. Marshall was such a beautiful man and a wonderful actor”, while fellow rafters star Erik Thomson added, “What a man. This is big. He was such an inspiration to so many.”
Director Nash Edgerton added, “So sorry to hear. Much love.” While Patrick Brammall wrote, “I’m so sad to hear it. He was such a beautiful man.”
Over on Twitter, more figures from the entertainment industry have also expressed their sadness over the news:
Napier, a father of three, was born in New Zealand before moving to Australia with his wife and children in the late ’80s.
He initially worked as a worker, before successfully transitioning to acting after moving to Australia.
While he is most recognizable from his TV work, Napier was a regular figure in local theater productions, and in 2017 starred alongside Cate Blanchett for The Sydney Theater Company’s production of The Present.
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