Summer Bay has been shaken to its core this week as cast members of Home and Away have come together to share heartbreaking news with fans. The long-running series,

which has seen some of Australia’s most iconic performers pass through its doors, is now mourning the loss of a legend whose presence shaped the show for years.

The announcement came quietly at first — a post shared among cast members expressing grief, gratitude, and disbelief. But it didn’t stay quiet for long. Within hours,

tributes began pouring in from past and present stars, fans, directors, and crew who all had one shared message: a great actor and an even greater person has been lost.

While the production has chosen to keep some personal details private for the family, several Home and Away actors appeared visibly emotional as they reflected on their time working with him.

“He was kind, he was generous, and he brought warmth into every scene,” one former co-star shared. “He had this presence on set — when he walked into a room, it felt like the story mattered more, like we were part of something meaningful.”

Another cast member tearfully described the late actor as “the heart of the show during the years he was here.”

The actor in question was known for playing one of the Bay’s most beloved father figures — a character that balanced quiet strength with compassion, someone audiences trusted and relied on. His storylines dealt with heartbreak, redemption, and the sort of emotional depth that made Home and Away more than just a soap — it made it real.

For many fans, his performances were formative. He wasn’t simply in the show — he defined it.

Producers also released a brief statement acknowledging his legacy, noting that he helped “shape the tone of the Bay with sincerity, humour, and a level of humanity that cannot be replicated.”

Behind the scenes, the actor was known for supporting younger performers as they entered the industry for the first time. He offered advice, encouragement, and reassurance — guiding some of the show’s current stars through their earliest and most vulnerable years.

A member of the writing team recalled a moment that has stayed with them for over a decade:

“He came to me once after filming a difficult scene and said, ‘We don’t just tell stories. We hold people’s hearts for a moment. Treat that responsibility carefully.’ I never forgot it.”

Plans are already underway for an on-screen tribute — one that will give long-time viewers the chance to grieve alongside the characters who loved him. It will not be rushed or minimized. The show intends to honor him fully.

For a program that has seen love, loss, fire, flood, heartbreak, and renewal, this moment stands apart.

This is not a storyline.
This is real life.
And Summer Bay will not be the same without him.