It is with deep sadness that fans of Home and Away and the wider entertainment world are mourning the loss of Ethan Browne, who passed away on November 25th, 2025, at the age of 52.

The Australian star, best known for his portrayal of Dane Parado on the long-running television series Home and Away, was discovered unconscious at his home, and while his family has requested privacy durin

g this difficult time, his impact on television, film, and music cannot be understated.

Ethan Browne’s career spanned decades and a remarkable variety of creative outlets. Born into a family with deep musical roots—his father, Jackson Browne, is a celebrated musician—Ethan was surrounded by artistry from a young age. This environment sparked his lifelong passion for performance, composition, and storytelling. From modeling and acting to music production and label management, Browne cultivated a career that was as diverse as it was influential.

Ethan’s entry into acting began in the 1990s, a period when he honed his craft across both film and television. Early roles included appearances in the cult classic Hackers (1995), where he explored complex, tech-savvy characters, and the film Raising Helen (2004), which allowed him to showcase his versatility in a dramatic, family-centered story. He also appeared in the television series Birds of Prey, proving his adaptability across genres and formats. These projects helped establish Ethan as a recognizable face in Hollywood and demonstrated his commitment to exploring a wide array of characters, avoiding being typecast while refining his skills as an actor.

However, it was in 2020 that Ethan Browne would capture the hearts of a new generation as Dane Parado on Australia’s beloved soap opera Home and Away. His portrayal was lauded for its depth, relatability, and emotional authenticity, and over the next five years, he became a central figure on the show. For many fans, Dane Parado was not just a character but a reflection of the struggles, triumphs, and heartfelt moments that define human experience, and Ethan’s performance resonated deeply with audiences across Australia and beyond. His tenure on the show solidified his status as one of television’s most compelling performers, blending charm, intensity, and subtlety in equal measure.

But Ethan Browne was more than a television star. In 2022, he expanded his creative pursuits into music by launching Spinside Records, an imprint of his father’s label, Inside Recordings. Taking on the role of CEO, Browne envisioned a label that would champion grassroots talent and genre-blending artists, providing a platform for voices that might otherwise be overlooked in the mainstream industry. His approach combined business acumen with creative intuition, and under his guidance, Spinside Records became a hub for innovation and artistic exploration.

That same year, Ethan collaborated with Alan Zayn under the Spinside banner to release the album Right Before Your Eyes, marking a significant milestone in his musical career. The project showcased not only his talents as a musician but also his dedication to fostering collaboration and exploring the intersections of different musical styles. Through his work with Spinside Records, Ethan championed independent artists, supported creative experimentation, and reinforced his belief that music could be both a personal expression and a communal experience.

Despite his accomplishments in the music world, Browne never abandoned acting. His career reflected a balance between visual storytelling and sound artistry, allowing him to explore both the imaginative and the commercial aspects of entertainment. Colleagues often praised his professionalism, versatility, and unwavering commitment to his craft, noting that whether in front of a camera or behind a mixing console, Ethan approached each project with the same meticulous attention to detail and passion for excellence.

Ethan’s influence extended beyond his own work. He was a mentor to younger artists and actors, offering guidance on navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry while maintaining authenticity and creative integrity. In interviews, he often emphasized the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and remaining true to one’s vision, qualities that defined his own career.

Fans and co-stars alike have expressed shock and grief at Ethan’s passing. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes, with fellow actors, musicians, and fans sharing personal anecdotes, favorite performances, and heartfelt memories of the man who brought so much energy, charisma, and creativity into their lives. His portrayal of Dane Parado in particular has been highlighted as a career-defining role that inspired countless viewers, bridging generational gaps and connecting audiences through shared emotional experiences.

While the cause of Ethan Browne’s death has not been publicly disclosed, his legacy is clear: a life devoted to art in all its forms. From his early days navigating the pressures of Hollywood, to his transformative work on Home and Away, and finally to his bold foray into music entrepreneurship, Ethan exemplified dedication, talent, and a passion for elevating others. His journey serves as a testament to the power of versatility, hard work, and the ability to pursue multiple creative paths simultaneously.

Even in his final years, Browne continued to explore new horizons, challenging himself to grow and innovate. His work with Spinside Records revealed a side of him that extended beyond performance—a visionary with an ear for talent, a heart for community, and a commitment to reshaping the landscape for future generations of musicians and entertainers. In many ways, his career reflected a lifelong dialogue between legacy and innovation, honoring the influence of his father while carving out a distinct and impactful path of his own.

Ethan Browne’s death is a profound loss to the entertainment industry, yet his contributions will continue to resonate. From iconic television roles to pioneering music projects, he leaves behind a rich tapestry of work that celebrates creativity, risk-taking, and artistic courage. He will be remembered not only for the characters he embodied or the albums he released but also for the mentorship, inspiration, and dedication he brought to every endeavor.

As fans reflect on his life and career, the image of Ethan Browne—versatile, talented, and unafraid to pursue his passions—remains vivid. His legacy serves as a reminder of the impact one individual can have across multiple creative spheres, and the enduring power of art to connect, inspire, and transform.

Though his time was cut short, Ethan Browne’s influence will live on, from the soap opera sets of Home and Away, to the recording studios of Spinside Records, and in the hearts of the audiences he touched throughout his remarkable, multifaceted career.