Shocking Loss: Beloved Australian Actor Peter Hardy Tragically Drowns Aged 66
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The Australian entertainment industry has been left heartbroken after the sudden and unexpected death of 66-year-old beloved actor Peter Hardy.
Best known for his much-loved roles in McLeod’s Daughters, Chopper, and Neighbours, his brother confirmed the devastating news on social media.
It was reported that the actor was found unconscious in the waters of South Beach in Fremantle on Thursday, March 16th, at around 10:40 AM.
Bystanders at the scene immediately began administering CPR until paramedics arrived, but tragically, they were unsuccessful in reviving him.
Hardy was visiting his mother in Perth then and had posted a selfie on social media shortly before the accident.
The photo bore the caption: 'More Reasons to be Cheerful.’
However, following the tragic incident, Hardy's brother Michael left a comment on the actor's Instagram post confirming the news and stating that his brother had ‘suddenly passed away’.
'Rest in peace, little brother.' he wrote.
Tributes to the beloved actor have been streaming in since the announcement.
Andy Burns, a close friend of Hardy's who lived with him in Neutral Bay, Sydney, during the mid-1980s, expressed his heartbreak at the news of Hardy's death. Burns stated that he is ‘inconsolable’ and that ‘words cannot express how deeply I feel this loss’.
‘He was 66 years old and looked like a Greek god, so fit and happy to be back in his native WA, visiting from London, where he had made his home,’ he wrote.
Burns also shared a moment when Hardy purchased a canal boat in London and sent him guitar tracks recorded from the boat.
He continued: ‘He was a superb actor, a wonderful singer and guitarist. He also played drums and sax. He always loved performing in the theatre, film, and TV.’
Another friend of the actor, Ross Anderson, expressed his condolences to the Hardy family.
’This news is such a heartbreaking shock,’ he said.
‘He’ll be held in the wide arms of the ocean he grew up beside and in the hearts of all those he welcomed into his vital and witty orbit.’
‘Sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.’
Born on January 11th, 1957, in Perth, Western Australia, Hardy started his music career at 12 by playing the French horn in the CCGS Orchestra.
He began his stage career with the show Revue - The Other Opening and later performed in An Officer And A Gentleman at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney under the direction of Simon Phillips.
Hardy made his film debut in 1986 with The Pursuit of Happiness and appeared in numerous films, TV movies, TV series, and shorts.
Between 2006 and 2009, he appeared as Phil Rakich in 44 episodes of McLeod’s Daughters. He also appeared in the hit soap opera Neighbors as Jimmy Drane in 1997.
Though his candle may have been extinguished far too early, his warmth and life will never leave the memories of all those who knew him nor the hearts of his fans, who will forever remember him fondly.
During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers go out to Hardy’s family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace.
Best known for his much-loved roles in McLeod’s Daughters, Chopper, and Neighbours, his brother confirmed the devastating news on social media.
It was reported that the actor was found unconscious in the waters of South Beach in Fremantle on Thursday, March 16th, at around 10:40 AM.
Bystanders at the scene immediately began administering CPR until paramedics arrived, but tragically, they were unsuccessful in reviving him.
Hardy was visiting his mother in Perth then and had posted a selfie on social media shortly before the accident.
Peter Hardy passed away at the age of 66 after a drowning accident in South Beach in Fremantle. Credit: Facebook.
The photo bore the caption: 'More Reasons to be Cheerful.’
However, following the tragic incident, Hardy's brother Michael left a comment on the actor's Instagram post confirming the news and stating that his brother had ‘suddenly passed away’.
'Rest in peace, little brother.' he wrote.
His brother confirmed the actor’s death via a comment on his social media post. Credit: Facebook.
Tributes to the beloved actor have been streaming in since the announcement.
Andy Burns, a close friend of Hardy's who lived with him in Neutral Bay, Sydney, during the mid-1980s, expressed his heartbreak at the news of Hardy's death. Burns stated that he is ‘inconsolable’ and that ‘words cannot express how deeply I feel this loss’.
‘He was 66 years old and looked like a Greek god, so fit and happy to be back in his native WA, visiting from London, where he had made his home,’ he wrote.
Burns also shared a moment when Hardy purchased a canal boat in London and sent him guitar tracks recorded from the boat.
He continued: ‘He was a superb actor, a wonderful singer and guitarist. He also played drums and sax. He always loved performing in the theatre, film, and TV.’
Another friend of the actor, Ross Anderson, expressed his condolences to the Hardy family.
’This news is such a heartbreaking shock,’ he said.
‘He’ll be held in the wide arms of the ocean he grew up beside and in the hearts of all those he welcomed into his vital and witty orbit.’
‘Sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.’
Born on January 11th, 1957, in Perth, Western Australia, Hardy started his music career at 12 by playing the French horn in the CCGS Orchestra.
He began his stage career with the show Revue - The Other Opening and later performed in An Officer And A Gentleman at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney under the direction of Simon Phillips.
Hardy made his film debut in 1986 with The Pursuit of Happiness and appeared in numerous films, TV movies, TV series, and shorts.
Between 2006 and 2009, he appeared as Phil Rakich in 44 episodes of McLeod’s Daughters. He also appeared in the hit soap opera Neighbors as Jimmy Drane in 1997.
Though his candle may have been extinguished far too early, his warmth and life will never leave the memories of all those who knew him nor the hearts of his fans, who will forever remember him fondly.
During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers go out to Hardy’s family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace.
