Shane Withington, the beloved Australian actor whose unforgettable performances in Home and Away and other iconic series have shaped decades of television,

has revealed a deeply personal health battle that has stunned fans and colleagues alike. In an emotional and candid interview this week, Withington disclosed that

a serious heart condition — long kept private — recently escalated to a life-threatening crisis, forcing him into the hospital and ultimately compelling him to step away from acting forever.

For years, Withington has been a mainstay of Australian TV drama. From his breakout roles in the 1980s to his powerful performances in more recent Home and Away arcs, his steady presence has made him household name. But behind the scenes, sources now say that the actor had been quietly struggling with cardiovascular issues for some time — a battle he chose to fight away from the public eye.

“It started with fatigue, shortness of breath, things I just tried to brush off,” Withington told Inside TV. “I never wanted to make it about me. I just wanted to do my job, be there for the cast, and give the fans the stories they love.”

Friends say he continued to work through minor episodes and tests over the years, determined to protect both his privacy and his career. However, in late 2025, what had once been manageable took a terrifying turn.

According to Withington, a sudden health crisis landed him in an emergency ward in Sydney. Doctors discovered dangerous arrhythmias and significant heart muscle stress — a condition that could not be ignored or treated with simply rest and medication.

“I remember waking up in the hospital, surrounded by beeping machines, and feeling this awful sense of disbelief,” he shared. “I’d always thought I had more time to say goodbye to the characters I love … to the fans… to this life. I just didn’t think it would end like this.”

Doctors ultimately advised that continuing the physical and emotional demands of acting — especially long shoots, travel, and tight schedules — posed too great a risk. Withington made the wrenching decision to retire from acting, a choice he called “the hardest of my life.”

For fans around the world, the news has ignited an outpouring of support across social media. Longtime Home and Away co-stars have also spoken out in tribute, expressing admiration for the actor’s courage and the tremendous mark he’s left on the industry.

“Shane is more than a colleague — he’s family,” one cast member told TV Week. “His humour, his generosity, his commitment to every scene… that’s the legacy he leaves.”

While Withington has stepped away from the screen, insiders reveal he’s now focusing on his health and spending precious time with loved ones. He also hinted at new creative projects that don’t require the physical toll of acting — including writing and directing.

“I’m learning that life writes the best scripts,” he said. “And this chapter — hard as it is — has given me a new perspective. My heart has always been in storytelling. Now, I just have to find a new way to share it.”

Fans can follow his ongoing journey in an upcoming interview special set to air next month, where Withington promises to go even deeper into his experience and offer hope to others facing similar health challenges.