Australian actor GERARD KENNEDY passes away at 93

Gerard Kennedy, one of Australia’s most esteemed television actors, has passed away on Monday after being in care in Gosford NSW, at the age of 93.

Born on 8 March 1932 in Perth, Western Australia, Kennedy was the son of Australian actor and writer Phyllis Ophel. His career spanned more than five decades and left a lasting mark on the local screen industry.

Kennedy first came to national prominence in the 1960s as espionage agent Kragg in the spy drama Hunter. His performance quickly earned him lead status on the show, setting the stage for his most iconic role as Detective Frank Banner in Division 4.

His work on that series won him back-to-back Gold Logies for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television.

Across a prolific television career, Kennedy appeared in numerous beloved series, including Homicide, The Flying Doctors, A Country Practice, Blue Heelers, and Neighbours.

He will also be fondly remembered by Prisoner fans for his menacing turn as terrorist Al during the memorable “Wentworth Siege” episodes.

In his later years, Kennedy continued to make his mark with memorable appearances in Wolf Creek 2, Fat Tony & Co, and the award-winning supernatural drama Glitch.

Craig Bennett, a friend of TV Blackbox, paid tribute to Gerard Kennedy on social media, remembering the actor as “one of the great gentlemen of showbiz.” He continued:

“Gerard was a totally lovely person, soft spoken, always gracious. He was one of Australia’s first actors to reveal he was vegetarian, giving up meat in the ’50s after working briefly in an abattoir. His career was stellar and gargantuan—from stage to screen.”

Craig Bennett

Bennett also reflected on their special reunion in 2016, saying, “I got Gerard together with his Division 4 buddies Terry Donovan and Ted Hamilton for a Studio 10 reunion. Brilliant memories.”

With a commanding screen presence and unmatched versatility, Kennedy was a fixture of Australian drama, revered by audiences and peers alike.

His contribution to Australian storytelling endures, marking him as one of the greats of our television history.

Vale Gerard Kennedy.