Troy Beckwith death: Neighbours star, who played memorable villain, dies aged 48
Beckwith’s former soap co-stars are paying tribute to actor
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Neighbours actor Troy Beckwith, who played one of the show’s most memorable villains, has died, aged 48.
The news was announced by Beckwith’s former co-star, Kym Valentine, who played Libby Kennedy. She wrote: “It pains me so much to have to say this. Our dear old friend Troy Beckwith has passed away.”
Valentine continued: “Another member of our TV family gone way too soon. There will be no funeral as per Troy’s request. Thanks for all the memories my cheeky mate and all my love to your friends and family.”
No cause of death has been revealed.
Beckwith appeared on the Australian soap from 1992 to 1998, replacing Samuel Hammington as the infamous villain Michael Martin. He was given the nickname “Sicko Micko” by fans of the soap.
The character was a fan favourite among viewers, with Michael a regular fixture in lists ranking the best Neighbours characters of the 1990s. Ausculture branded the character “the Charles Manson of Ramsay Street”, with HecklerSpray writing: “Michael was one of Neighbours’ few convincing bad guys, who probably arbitrarily converted to being good at a later date.”
Brett Stark actor Brett Blewitt, who can currently be seen in the Neighbours revival, shared a tribute to Beckwith, writing: “He was such a lovely person. Deeply thoughtful and empathetic. Cheeky and playful once out of his shell. Way too soon. Love you mate.”
Meanwhile, Lucinda Cowden, who plays Melanie Pearson, posted a series of broken heart emojis.
Beckwith also starred in the series Pugwall, with his co-star Ricky Fleming writing in tribute: “RIP to my brother from another mother. From birth we were trouble together and joined at the soul, no one will ever know the adventures and joy we had as the mischievous two (tricky and roy) in this life.
“I can honestly say there was never a dull moment when we were together. May you be in peace and still be the infectious joy of those who are in your presence now. Troy Beckwith, love you buddy.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments