'He was a beacon of hope': Entertainment (76) and advocacy (70) worlds mourn the loss of two icons
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Losing those who have shaped industries and communities is always a profound moment of reflection.
From groundbreaking advocacy to iconic entertainment, their legacies continue to inspire those they left behind.
Two influential figures were recently remembered for their remarkable contributions and lasting impact.
David Polson AM, a leading HIV advocate, was honoured at a state memorial in Sydney, where he was remembered as a ‘beacon of hope’ for those affected by the virus.
Polson, who passed away at 70, was among the first 400 Australians diagnosed with HIV in the 1980s.
Determined to help find a treatment, he volunteered for 28 drug trials under the care of Professor David Cooper AC, enduring immense physical and emotional challenges.
His advocacy extended beyond research, culminating in the establishment of Qtopia Sydney, a museum documenting the history of HIV in Australia and the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights.
In February 2024, Polson played a key role in opening the museum at the former Darlinghurst Police Station, a site historically linked to the persecution of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
At the City Recital Hall, Qtopia Sydney chief executive Greg Fisher reflected on Polson’s sacrifices, acknowledging the toll that medical trials had taken on him.
‘David saw himself as a cog in the wheel to overcome HIV/AIDS. That selfless statement reflected the man David was,’ Fisher said.
‘His cog was not well-paid, his cog didn't miss the torturous pain and side-effects of the trials he participated in.
‘His cog did not avoid sharing Ward 17 South at St Vincent’s Hospital with other patients whose screams of pain as their organs were gradually shutting down would haunt David forever.’
Polson’s close friend Peter Campbell described him as ‘confident and charming’, a man whose life was ‘an enigmatic amalgamation of paradoxes’.
‘David Polson didn't walk past anybody. He embraced everybody … Each of us felt we had a unique bond with him. That's because he was naturally empathetic,’ Campbell said.
‘He knew that LGBTQIA+ does not spell "woke". It's a formula for hope, humanity and unity, where all parts of one or more minorities in the puzzle that makes up a mature, open, interesting and above all civilised society.’
Throughout his years of medical trials, Polson became a familiar presence at St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst, forming deep friendships with the staff who cared for him.
‘He nearly died several times and the worst thing I think that while he was suffering he watched many friends die … but he pulled through time and time again,’ Campbell said.
Polson’s unwavering dedication to HIV education and advocacy earned him an Order of Australia in 2023.
‘Most of the work David did that earnt him his Order of Australia and this marvellous state memorial, and other accolades, was done by a man who lived on the smell of an oily rag,’ Campbell said.
Sydney barrister Tom Woods, who had known Polson since childhood, recalled his presence in Potts Point, where he was well-known for his quick wit and infectious charm.
‘David knew everyone along Macleay Street and Darlinghurst Road, always greeting them with a kind word or a hilarious put down,’ Woods said.
He recounted a moment when Polson, who was picking up his mother from the hospital after surgery, introduced himself as her parole officer.
‘When mum needed someone to collect her from hospital after a minor surgery a few years ago, David at once alarmed and delighted everyone in the hospital waiting area by announcing that he was Amanda Findlay’s parole officer,’ Woods said.
Despite his health struggles, Polson found fulfilment in life and was cherished by those around him.
‘Despite all the problems with his health, he was, I always believed, fundamentally happy.
‘He lived a fulfilling life and was absolutely adored by the people around him.’
Polson was not the only beloved figure recently farewelled—fans of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers also mourned the loss of voice actor Dave Mallow.
Voice actor Dave Mallow, best known for voicing Baboo in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, has died at the age of 76.
A source shared that Mallow passed away on 11 March while in hospice care at the MonteCedro Senior Living Community in Altadena, California.
His health ‘had been declining in recent years,’ one of his former colleagues shared.
Mallow voiced Baboo for 138 episodes from 1993 to 1999 and also worked on other instalments of the franchise, including Power Rangers in Space, Power Rangers Zeo and Power Rangers Time Force.
Beyond Power Rangers, he had an extensive voice acting career, featuring in animated series such as Digimon: Digital Monsters, Naruto and Yu-Gi-Oh!, as well as numerous Japanese animated films.
According to his IMDb page, Mallow started his career in radio, working in the Midwest and New York City for 12 years before moving to Los Angeles to pursue voice acting.
His work extended into video games, lending his voice to titles like Call of Duty, Resident Evil, Battleship, Street Fighter and Final Fantasy.
Mallow was one of several Mighty Morphin Power Rangers cast members who have passed away.
Jason David Frank, who played Tommy Oliver—the original Green and White Ranger—died by suicide in November 2022 at age 49.
According to sources, Frank had an argument with his on-again, off-again estranged wife Tammie Frank at a hotel in Texas the night before his death.
Tammie later stated that he had struggled with mental health issues, including depression.
A representative for Frank confirmed the news: ‘Unfortunately, it is true. Please respect the privacy of his family and friends during this horrible time as we come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful human being.’
Robert Axelrod, who voiced Lord Zedd and Finster in the 1990s series, passed away in 2019 at the age of 70 due to complications from spinal surgery.
Thuy Trang, known for playing Trini Kwan—the original Yellow Ranger—died in a car accident in 2001 at just 27 years old.
In 2018, her co-stars paid tribute to her during the 25th anniversary celebration of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in an oral history feature.
The original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers cast also included Austin St. John as the Red Ranger, Walter Emanuel Jones as the Black Ranger, Amy Jo Johnson as the Pink Ranger and David Yost as the Blue Ranger.
For a deeper look at Dave Mallow’s remarkable career and the impact he had on fans worldwide, watch our tribute video.
His voice brought countless characters to life, leaving a legacy that won’t be forgotten.
Watch the video below.
Source: Youtube/ETimes
Both David Polson and Dave Mallow left lasting legacies in their respective fields, touching lives through advocacy and entertainment.
What impact do you think their contributions will have on future generations?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
From groundbreaking advocacy to iconic entertainment, their legacies continue to inspire those they left behind.
Two influential figures were recently remembered for their remarkable contributions and lasting impact.
David Polson AM, a leading HIV advocate, was honoured at a state memorial in Sydney, where he was remembered as a ‘beacon of hope’ for those affected by the virus.
Polson, who passed away at 70, was among the first 400 Australians diagnosed with HIV in the 1980s.
Determined to help find a treatment, he volunteered for 28 drug trials under the care of Professor David Cooper AC, enduring immense physical and emotional challenges.
HIV advocate David Polson honoured at memorial. Image source: ABC News
His advocacy extended beyond research, culminating in the establishment of Qtopia Sydney, a museum documenting the history of HIV in Australia and the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights.
In February 2024, Polson played a key role in opening the museum at the former Darlinghurst Police Station, a site historically linked to the persecution of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
At the City Recital Hall, Qtopia Sydney chief executive Greg Fisher reflected on Polson’s sacrifices, acknowledging the toll that medical trials had taken on him.
‘David saw himself as a cog in the wheel to overcome HIV/AIDS. That selfless statement reflected the man David was,’ Fisher said.
‘His cog was not well-paid, his cog didn't miss the torturous pain and side-effects of the trials he participated in.
‘His cog did not avoid sharing Ward 17 South at St Vincent’s Hospital with other patients whose screams of pain as their organs were gradually shutting down would haunt David forever.’
Polson’s close friend Peter Campbell described him as ‘confident and charming’, a man whose life was ‘an enigmatic amalgamation of paradoxes’.
‘David Polson didn't walk past anybody. He embraced everybody … Each of us felt we had a unique bond with him. That's because he was naturally empathetic,’ Campbell said.
‘He knew that LGBTQIA+ does not spell "woke". It's a formula for hope, humanity and unity, where all parts of one or more minorities in the puzzle that makes up a mature, open, interesting and above all civilised society.’
Throughout his years of medical trials, Polson became a familiar presence at St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst, forming deep friendships with the staff who cared for him.
‘He nearly died several times and the worst thing I think that while he was suffering he watched many friends die … but he pulled through time and time again,’ Campbell said.
Polson’s unwavering dedication to HIV education and advocacy earned him an Order of Australia in 2023.
‘Most of the work David did that earnt him his Order of Australia and this marvellous state memorial, and other accolades, was done by a man who lived on the smell of an oily rag,’ Campbell said.
Sydney barrister Tom Woods, who had known Polson since childhood, recalled his presence in Potts Point, where he was well-known for his quick wit and infectious charm.
‘David knew everyone along Macleay Street and Darlinghurst Road, always greeting them with a kind word or a hilarious put down,’ Woods said.
He recounted a moment when Polson, who was picking up his mother from the hospital after surgery, introduced himself as her parole officer.
‘When mum needed someone to collect her from hospital after a minor surgery a few years ago, David at once alarmed and delighted everyone in the hospital waiting area by announcing that he was Amanda Findlay’s parole officer,’ Woods said.
Despite his health struggles, Polson found fulfilment in life and was cherished by those around him.
‘Despite all the problems with his health, he was, I always believed, fundamentally happy.
‘He lived a fulfilling life and was absolutely adored by the people around him.’
Polson was not the only beloved figure recently farewelled—fans of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers also mourned the loss of voice actor Dave Mallow.
Voice actor Dave Mallow, best known for voicing Baboo in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, has died at the age of 76.
A source shared that Mallow passed away on 11 March while in hospice care at the MonteCedro Senior Living Community in Altadena, California.
Power Rangers fans mourn voice actor Dave Mallow. Image source: Everett Collection
His health ‘had been declining in recent years,’ one of his former colleagues shared.
Mallow voiced Baboo for 138 episodes from 1993 to 1999 and also worked on other instalments of the franchise, including Power Rangers in Space, Power Rangers Zeo and Power Rangers Time Force.
Beyond Power Rangers, he had an extensive voice acting career, featuring in animated series such as Digimon: Digital Monsters, Naruto and Yu-Gi-Oh!, as well as numerous Japanese animated films.
According to his IMDb page, Mallow started his career in radio, working in the Midwest and New York City for 12 years before moving to Los Angeles to pursue voice acting.
His work extended into video games, lending his voice to titles like Call of Duty, Resident Evil, Battleship, Street Fighter and Final Fantasy.
Mallow was one of several Mighty Morphin Power Rangers cast members who have passed away.
Jason David Frank, who played Tommy Oliver—the original Green and White Ranger—died by suicide in November 2022 at age 49.
According to sources, Frank had an argument with his on-again, off-again estranged wife Tammie Frank at a hotel in Texas the night before his death.
Tammie later stated that he had struggled with mental health issues, including depression.
A representative for Frank confirmed the news: ‘Unfortunately, it is true. Please respect the privacy of his family and friends during this horrible time as we come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful human being.’
Robert Axelrod, who voiced Lord Zedd and Finster in the 1990s series, passed away in 2019 at the age of 70 due to complications from spinal surgery.
Thuy Trang, known for playing Trini Kwan—the original Yellow Ranger—died in a car accident in 2001 at just 27 years old.
In 2018, her co-stars paid tribute to her during the 25th anniversary celebration of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in an oral history feature.
The original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers cast also included Austin St. John as the Red Ranger, Walter Emanuel Jones as the Black Ranger, Amy Jo Johnson as the Pink Ranger and David Yost as the Blue Ranger.
For a deeper look at Dave Mallow’s remarkable career and the impact he had on fans worldwide, watch our tribute video.
His voice brought countless characters to life, leaving a legacy that won’t be forgotten.
Watch the video below.
Source: Youtube/ETimes
Both David Polson and Dave Mallow left lasting legacies in their respective fields, touching lives through advocacy and entertainment.
What impact do you think their contributions will have on future generations?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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