Latest news with #PaulaDuncan
ABC News
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Australian actor and original Play School presenter Donald MacDonald dead at 86
Australian actor Donald MacDonald, who was one of the first Play School presenters, has died at the age of 86. MacDonald, who performed in Australia and the United Kingdom, died of cancer on the Gold Coast in the early hours of Monday. Cousin and fellow actor Paula Duncan said she would never forget MacDonald's storytelling ability, comedic flair and impeccable sense of timing. "Donald was like a big brother to me — I grew up with him and he helped train me," she said. "I've had an adoration for him all my life. MacDonald's career in film, television and on the stage spanned decades and included credits on The Box, Cop Shop and A Town Like Alice. More recently he appeared in Rake, Kenny and Superman Returns. Duncan said MacDonald was humble by nature. "He was someone who appreciated life but was never vain or a personality that wanted a lot of attention — in fact he'd probably shy away from it," she said. Duncan said MacDonald also wrote plays and novels. "His career was so substantial," she said. "It's kind of sad in a way, because all this media is going to come out now. "I wish it came out when he was alive and all these people could see what he actually did — he was just extraordinary. Showbusiness reporter and friend Craig Bennett said he shared a cheers with MacDonald in the hospital on the weekend. He said MacDonald's career, which began in Sydney, showcased his range. "[Including] The Box, the sex-and-sin soapie of the 1970s, where he played a closeted gay newsreader," Bennett said. "Back then people clutched their pearls and grabbed their smelling salts because we didn't hear much of these things.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Popular Playschool presenter dies after battle with cancer
Australian actor Donald Macdonald has died aged 86 after a battle with cancer. The former Playschool presenter had a theatre and television career in Australia and the UK which spanned more than 40 years. Journalist Craig Bennett shared the news of Macdonald's death to his social media on Monday. 'One of our showbiz greats left us at 12:45am today,' the post read. 'Donald Macdonald was a stalwart of stage and screen, who'd written smash hit plays like Caravan, dazzled on London's West End, and delighted millions over the decades with his starring turns on TV series like Play School where he was a presenter from 1966 to 1969.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'He guested on shows from Certain Women, The Box, Cop Shop and Skyways, to the raunchy Alvin Purple, and in movies like Superman Returns. Donald was a dapper delight and always great company.' Craig said Macdonald spent time with his cousins Paula Duncan and Amelia Barrett in his last days. 'On Saturday we turned his hospital room into a party, laughs and smiles a-plenty, as Donald enjoyed some bubbly and lemon meringue pie,' he continued. 'Blue was always his colour, even in a hospital gown! He gave his permission to post his last photo, saying "what the heck!" Vale to a true gentleman.' Others also paid tribute to the Australian icon, with one writing: 'Honoured to have appeared in two of his plays. The consummate gentleman. And, no one played a High Court Judge like Donald. RIP.' 'We were VERY LUCKY to meet Donald through you both, get to know him, and be entertained by his lovely demeanor, sharp wit and of course his writing skills. What a lovely, gentle man,' another wrote. 'A sad day! Another stalwart of the Australian television industry has left us,' a third commented. 'Ohh such devastating unwelcome news. What a gentleman and lovely friend. I'm deeply saddened,' another said. Macdonald began his career at Sydney's famous Music Hall. He has starred in several theatre shows including Is Australia Really Necessary, A Cup of Tea, a Bex and a Good Lie Down. The actor had guest roles in A Country Practice, Come in Spinner, Rafferty's Rules, Heroes II, GP, Jag, and Rake. He has also appeared in Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, The Pathfinders, Alvin Purple, Certain Women, Skyways, Chopper Squad, Demolition, Secret Valley, A Town Like Alice and Cop Shop.
