“Last straw”: Close friends open up on Dieter Brummer’s tragic death
Those who knew Dieter Brummer well say Sydney’s latest COVID-19 lockdown was the “last straw” for the late Home and Away actor.
Family, friends and fans have mourned the death of the well-known actor who died last Saturday. While he’d been out of the acting spotlight for many years, he was a household name throughout much of the 1990s.
Recently, he’d been working as a window cleaner but work had begun to dry up during Sydney’s lockdowns.
In fact, according to the Daily Mail Australia, Brummer’s last Facebook post, on July 15, was to thank a friend for securing him some work.
Brummer wrote: “It’s been a long time since I rescued you and you have finally returned the favour.”
“I am looking forward to a future working high above COVID which is ‘apparently’ ‘ravaging’ Sydney (sic).”
Brummer started work on the new job but only had a few days before the restrictions on construction work came in and he was no longer able to.
A week after the restrictions were announced, on July 24, Brummer’s body was found at his parents’ Glenhaven home.
“He was really excited and really grateful about the job,” his friend and employer said. “The lockdown took the wind out of his sails.”
Struggling financially for some time
The actor’s mother Dawn, 84, said he had been struggling financially for some time. She added she’s planning to write a biography about her son to help anyone who might be struggling with mental health issues.
“At the moment I am writing a book on his life, all the details of his frame of his mind will be included in that,” she said. ‘The lockdown took the wind out of his sails.’
Brummer played Shane Parrish on Home and Away between 1992 and 1996. He won two Gold Logies for Most Popular Actor, in 1995 and 1996.
While he did continue acting, he said later he wasn’t comfortable being in the spotlight at a young age. After some other acting work, he moved away from the television industry, saying he’s enjoyed working as a high-rise window cleaner.
“As great as it was, I wanted to prove to myself I could get my hands dirty and sweat for a buck as easily as standing around on set, being primped and preened,” he said at the time.
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
Image: Supplied