Australia has farewelled one of its true screen legends.

Terence Donovan, whose remarkable career spanned almost seven decades and touched generations of viewers, has been remembered with a deeply personal tribute from his son, Jason Donovan, who described him as “our best friend… our world.”

As heartfelt messages continue to pour in, one touching chapter of Terence’s legacy is once again capturing attention — a rare family connection that few actors ever experienced, and one that will ensure his impact lives on for years to come.

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Australian Screen Legend Terence Donovan Passes Away Aged 90 as Son Jason Shares Heartfelt Tribute

Australia is mourning the loss of one of its most respected screen veterans, with acclaimed actor Terence Donovan passing away peacefully in Melbourne at the age of 90.

The beloved performer, whose career spanned almost seven decades across television and film, was remembered not only for his remarkable body of work but also as a devoted father, grandfather and mentor to generations of Australian actors.

His passing was confirmed by his son, actor and singer Jason Donovan, in an emotional statement shared on Instagram.

Jason Donovan Pays Emotional Tribute to His Father

Announcing the heartbreaking news, Jason said he and his brother Paul wanted to celebrate their father’s long and fulfilling life, despite the immense sadness of saying goodbye.

He revealed that Terence passed away peacefully in Melbourne, surrounded by his family during his final days.

Jason also thanked the staff at Cabrini Hospital for the care and compassion they showed his father.

Reflecting on the man behind the celebrated career, Jason described Terence as someone whose presence filled every room.

“Our dad was a huge character. Larger than life,” he wrote.

“He was our best friend… our world.”

Jason added that while the family would miss him deeply, they found comfort in knowing they had been by his side and that he had lived life to the fullest.

A Career That Shaped Australian Television

Born in London in October 1935, Terence Donovan emigrated to Australia in the late 1950s, where he built one of the country’s most enduring acting careers.

Beginning in the early 1960s, he became a familiar face to Australian audiences through a succession of acclaimed film and television roles.

Among his best-known screen credits were Breaker Morant, The Man from Snowy River, Homicide and Sons and Daughters.

He also appeared in a number of iconic Australian dramas, including The Flying Doctors, Blue Heelers, A Country Practice and Home and Away, cementing his place as one of the nation’s most recognisable performers.

Three Generations United on Neighbours

One of the most special chapters of Terence Donovan’s career came through Neighbours.

He portrayed Doug Willis and shared the screen not only with his son Jason Donovan, who famously played Scott Robinson, but later with his granddaughter Jemma Donovan.

Jemma joined the long-running soap as Harlow Robinson between 2019 and 2022, making the Donovan family one of the few to have three generations represented on the iconic Australian series.

Terence’s final on-screen appearance came in 2022 when he returned to reprise Doug Willis, bringing a fitting close to a career that had inspired audiences for decades.

A Family Legacy Beyond the Screen

Terence married Australian television presenter Sue McIntosh in 1965, and the couple welcomed their son Jason in 1968 before separating in 1972.

Over the years, father and son enjoyed a close personal and professional relationship, appearing together in Neighbours, the ABC medical drama MDA, and the 2003 comedy film Horseplay.

The acting tradition has continued into a third generation through Jemma Donovan, who has spoken previously about how emotional her father became after learning she had secured a regular role on Neighbours.

Remembering a Remarkable Life

Terence Donovan celebrated his 90th birthday last October, marking a lifetime dedicated to Australian entertainment.

Across almost 70 years, he became one of the industry’s most admired and familiar faces, leaving behind a body of work that helped shape Australian television and cinema.

As heartfelt tributes continue to pour in, Terence is being remembered not only as an exceptional actor, but as a loving father, grandfather and friend whose influence extended far beyond the screen.

His legacy now lives on through the generations of performers he inspired—including his own family—and through the countless audiences who welcomed him into their homes for decades.