Legendary Aussie soap star dies just weeks before birthday
Brian Wenzel has died aged 94.
The beloved Aussie actor, known for his role on A Country Practice, passed away peacefully in an Adelaide nursing home, just weeks away from his 95th birthday.
“It is with great sadness that we remember the life of beloved Australian actor Brian Wenzel,” the soap star's agent, Jennifer Hennessy confirmed in a statement.
“His iconic and revered performances spanned multiple Australian generations with his wit and humour shining through to the end.
“A passionate family man and devoted Carlton supporter leaves an irreplaceable mark on the Australian film and television industry.”
Born on the 24th of May in 1929, Wenzel began his acting career at the age of just 17.
He became a popular figure on Aussie TV in the 60s and 70s, starring in shows like Homicide, Division 4, and Matlock Police.
He then scored his most memorable role as Frank Gilroy, an old-fashioned and uptight sergeant who was the heart of A Country Practice for 12 years.
The show ran from 1981 to 1993, with a whopping 1,058 episodes, and he also briefly appeared on Neighbours after the show ended.
Wenzel's role as Gilroy earned him a Logie Award for Best Actor in 1981.
His final role on-screen was in 2014 for John Doe: Vigilante.
In 2018 the actor had suffered two mini strokes that made him unable to walk unaided.
“It’s terrible to not be able to walk and I can’t sing anymore, which is terrible. I’m hoping against all hope that I can get it all back again," he said at the time.
Four years later, he was marred by his tragic battle with dementia and entered nursing care which he shared with his beloved wife Linda.
Image: news.com.au/ Michael Marschall