“Last straw”: Close friends open up on Dieter Brummer’s tragic death
<p>Those who knew Dieter Brummer well say Sydney’s latest COVID-19 lockdown was the “last straw” for the late <em>Home and Away</em> actor.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Recently, he’d been working as a window cleaner but work had begun to dry up during Sydney’s lockdowns.</p>
<p>In fact, according to the <em>Daily Mail Australia</em>, Brummer’s last Facebook post, on July 15, was to thank a friend for securing him some work.</p>
<p>Brummer wrote: “It’s been a long time since I rescued you and you have finally returned the favour.”</p>
<p>“I am looking forward to a future working high above COVID which is ‘apparently’ ‘ravaging’ Sydney (sic).”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>A week after the restrictions were announced, on July 24, Brummer’s body was found at his parents’ Glenhaven home.</p>
<p>“He was really excited and really grateful about the job,” his friend and employer said. “The lockdown took the wind out of his sails.”</p>
<p><strong>Struggling financially for some time</strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.’</p>
<p>Brummer played Shane Parrish on <em>Home and Away</em> between 1992 and 1996. He won two Gold Logies for Most Popular Actor, in 1995 and 1996.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p><strong>If you need help in a crisis, call</strong> <strong>Lifeline</strong> <strong>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.</strong></p>
<p><em>Image: Supplied</em></p>
