In brief
Terence Donovan, the iconic actor who starred as Doug Willis in Neighbours and played detective roles in Division 4 and Cop Shop, has died at 90. His son Jason and brother Paul celebrated his life on social media, describing him as larger‑than‑life and a champion for Australian content. Donovan’s career spanned six decades, leaving a legacy in soap operas, films and theatre that helped shape the Australian TV industry. The family thanked fans and colleagues for the love and support he received over the years.
British‑Australian actor Terence Donovan, best known for his portrayal of the sagely drogher Doug Willis on the long‑running Australian soap Neighbours, has died at the age of 90. The actor’s career, which spanned almost sixty years, also saw him star in the police dramas Division 4 and Cop Shop, as well as the hit films The Man from Snowy River and Breaker Morant.
His son Jason, the former pop‑star, confirmed the tragedy on Twitter, describing Terence as a "huge character, larger than life" and the "best friend and world" of their family. Jason’s post, which was joined by his brother Paul, paid tribute to the man who "lived life to the max" and whose advocacy helped push Australian stories onto national television in the 1970s and 80s.
The Donovan family cited the actor’s calm passing at his Melbourne home, thanks the fans and remembered his playful spirit. Terence’s legacy remains embedded in popular culture through his iconic roles and his lifelong support for the Australian entertainment industry.
Later that day, a celebration of his life began in the streets of Melbourne with activists marching under the banner "T.V. MAKE IT AUSTRALIA NOW," a campaign he helped drive to secure more Australian storytelling on local broadcasters.
For fans of the soap, the news has been met with stunned silence and a wave of condolences across social media, as people recount memories of Donovan’s memorable character arcs and the warmth he brought to the set.
