Neighbours and Home and Away star Terence Donovan dies - as son Jason leads tributes

 Donovan played Doug Willis on Ramsay Street.

Neighbours and Home and Away star Terence Donovan has died at the age of 90, his family have announced. The actor, who is the father of Jason Donovan, had a career spanning six decades on television and in films.

The news of his passing was announced by sons Jason and Paul on Instagram who wrote: "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."

In a further post, Jason and Paul spoke about their father's work in the Australian film and television industry, championing Aussie-made projects and leading to successful exports such as Neighbours.

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," the brothers wrote.

"My Dad was born and grew up in England, left Britain on a dream....and turned that hope into a reality. When we actually sit down and think about it we, my brother and I cannot begin to express how truly proud we are of him."

Commenting on TV Week's tribute post, Jason's former girlfriend and Neighbours co-star Kylie Minogue, wrote: "Vale Terence. Thankful for your kindness and guidance in my early, crazy tv days with Jason. Xx."

Kylie's sister Dannii added: "What an incredible life and body of work. I'm so glad his family were with him."

Donovan got his big break playing Detective Mick Peters in Australian police series Division 4, before moving on to another police serial, Cop Shop, in the late 1970s.

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He is perhaps best known outside of Australia for his portrayal of Doug Willis in Neighbours, beginning in 1990. After leaving the soap in 1994, he made guest appearances until his character was killed off in 2016. In 2022 he returned as a vision in what was thought to be the soap's final episode, with Jason and Kylie also appearing.

On Home and Away Donovan played Al Simpson, taking over the role from George Leppard, for a six-week stint in 1990. Throughout his career Donovan also worked in theatre, appearing in stage productions across Australia.

Donovan's final role was in 2025 Australian independent film Puppy, alongside Nadia Townsend and Bernard Curry.