Playwright and actor Alan Hopgood has died after a battle with cancer, with friends remembering his incredible contribution to the arts.
Alan Hopgood, a well-known Australian author, actor, and dramatist, died at the age of 87.
The Melbourne actor, who was best known for his appearances in Prisoner and Neighbours, died on Saturday, accompanied by his family, following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Hopgood is survived by his wife Gay, son Sam, daughter Finci, and four grandkids, who played Jack Lassiter on Neighbours.
A close friend described Hopgood as a “charming person,” complimenting his contribution to screen and theatre, according to the Herald Sun.
“He’s appeared in almost every Australian television show, and he’s played a part in every one of them.” In 1963, he composed the first play about football, which became his most famous work. That was a great hit in Melbourne, and everyone wanted to see it since it was the first time a play on football had been written.
“He was a wonderful man, and the other amazing thing about him was that everyone constantly said how charming he was.”
In 2017, Hopgood wrote and perform a play called Never Too Old for the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Picture: Chris Eastman
Star’s husband dies aged just 37
Bob Saget’s autopsy records blocked
Oscar-winning actor dead at 71
Highly regarded Australian author, actor and playwright Alan Hopgood has died at the age of 87.
The Melbourne actor, known for a number of TV roles including Prisoner and Neighbours, died after a long battle with cancer on Saturday surrounded by his family.
Hopgood, who played Jack Lassiter on Neighbours, is survived his wife Gay, son Sam, daughter Finci and four grandsons.
Tributes are flowing for actor Alan Hopgood.
Friends have remembered him as a “wonderful man”.
Speaking to the Herald Sun, a close friend remembered Hopgood as a “charming person”, praising his contribution to screen and theatre.
“He was in just about every Australian TV show, he’s had a role in all of them. His most famous work was in 1963 when he wrote the first play about football. That was a huge success in Melbourne and everybody wanted to go and see it because all of a sudden there was a play written about football.
“He was a wonderful man and the other great thing about him is everyone always used to say that he was such a charming person.”
In 2017, Hopgood wrote and perform a play called Never Too Old for the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Picture: Chris Eastman
Hopgood was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the 90s, releasing a book called Surviving Prostate Cancer – One Man’s Journey in 1996 which chronicled his battle with the disease.
He went on to perform comedy shows and give men’s talks on his cancer experience, as well as create a one-man play called The Carer. He went on to write ten more plays about health, and in 2006, he was named a Member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to the performing arts and community by increasing awareness of men’s health issues.
Over his decades-spanning career he worked with several big-name local and international stars including Meryl Streep, Brooke Shields, Frank Thring, Sam Neill and Judy Davis.
Neighbours brings back missing character as David Tanaka’s story continues
