We grew up with his voice on the ABC—and now, we say goodbye together
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Many Aussies grew up watching him on screen, his face a familiar part of television history.
Now, news of his passing has brought a wave of reflection from fans and fellow performers alike.
His legacy, which spanned both stage and screen, is one worth remembering.
Many Australians will remember him from their childhoods—his presence on screen as familiar as the sound of the ABC theme tune.
But this beloved actor wasn’t just a children’s presenter.
Over the course of four decades, he shaped a career that reached far beyond Play School and stretched across stages and studios in both Australia and the UK.
Donald Macdonald, whose face lit up screens, died this week following a battle with cancer. He was 86.
Macdonald’s career began at Sydney’s famed Music Hall, where he played the Hero.
From there, he quickly made his mark at the Philip Theatre with productions such as Is Australia Really Necessary—alongside Miriam Karlin—and the much-loved revue A Cup of Tea, a Bex and a Good Lie Down.
Many would remember him as a warm and familiar face on Play School, where he presented from 1966 to 1969.
Around the same time, he also starred in ABC’s I Married a Bachelor, before taking his talents to the UK.
His television work was prolific. From iconic local shows like Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, A Country Practice, and Kingswood Country, to dramas including Rafferty’s Rules, GP, Bellamy, and Secret Valley, Macdonald appeared in more than two dozen productions.
He also took roles in mini-series such as For the Term of His Natural Life and A Town Like Alice, and even featured in episodes of Jag and Rake.
On The Box, Macdonald played John Barnett, a closeted gay newsreader engaged in a long-running relationship with Lee Whiteman, portrayed by Paul Karo—who passed away in April.
His film credits included Kenny and Superman Returns.
Outside of acting, Macdonald was also a writer. He penned the stage comedy Caravan, and went on to write additional plays including Hot Taps, Giuseppe, Saints Alive, Seasons, Boulevard Play, and Truth.
He was also known to be a cousin of fellow actor Paula Duncan.
Donald Macdonald’s contribution to Australian entertainment spanned generations, mediums and continents—and his work will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
His work left a mark on generations of viewers, from children tuning in to Play School to adults following his many television roles.
Donald Macdonald’s passing is a loss to the Australian arts community—but his legacy will continue to live on through the stories he told and the characters he brought to life.
In a previous story, we reflected on the passing of The Dukes of Hazzard actor, whose sudden death at 79 left fans with unanswered questions.
For many senior Aussies who grew up watching classic television, these farewells feel especially personal—like saying goodbye to a familiar face from simpler times.
If you missed that tribute, it’s well worth a read.
Read more: The Dukes of Hazzard actor was found dead at 79, with cause of death unconfirmed
Now, news of his passing has brought a wave of reflection from fans and fellow performers alike.
His legacy, which spanned both stage and screen, is one worth remembering.
Many Australians will remember him from their childhoods—his presence on screen as familiar as the sound of the ABC theme tune.
But this beloved actor wasn’t just a children’s presenter.
Over the course of four decades, he shaped a career that reached far beyond Play School and stretched across stages and studios in both Australia and the UK.
Farewell to a cherished television trailblazer. Image source: Facebook/Craig Bennett
Donald Macdonald, whose face lit up screens, died this week following a battle with cancer. He was 86.
Macdonald’s career began at Sydney’s famed Music Hall, where he played the Hero.
From there, he quickly made his mark at the Philip Theatre with productions such as Is Australia Really Necessary—alongside Miriam Karlin—and the much-loved revue A Cup of Tea, a Bex and a Good Lie Down.
Many would remember him as a warm and familiar face on Play School, where he presented from 1966 to 1969.
Around the same time, he also starred in ABC’s I Married a Bachelor, before taking his talents to the UK.
His television work was prolific. From iconic local shows like Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, A Country Practice, and Kingswood Country, to dramas including Rafferty’s Rules, GP, Bellamy, and Secret Valley, Macdonald appeared in more than two dozen productions.
He also took roles in mini-series such as For the Term of His Natural Life and A Town Like Alice, and even featured in episodes of Jag and Rake.
On The Box, Macdonald played John Barnett, a closeted gay newsreader engaged in a long-running relationship with Lee Whiteman, portrayed by Paul Karo—who passed away in April.
His film credits included Kenny and Superman Returns.
Outside of acting, Macdonald was also a writer. He penned the stage comedy Caravan, and went on to write additional plays including Hot Taps, Giuseppe, Saints Alive, Seasons, Boulevard Play, and Truth.
He was also known to be a cousin of fellow actor Paula Duncan.
Paula Duncan mourns loss of cousin. Image source: Facebook/Craig Bennett
Donald Macdonald’s contribution to Australian entertainment spanned generations, mediums and continents—and his work will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
His work left a mark on generations of viewers, from children tuning in to Play School to adults following his many television roles.
Donald Macdonald’s passing is a loss to the Australian arts community—but his legacy will continue to live on through the stories he told and the characters he brought to life.
In a previous story, we reflected on the passing of The Dukes of Hazzard actor, whose sudden death at 79 left fans with unanswered questions.
For many senior Aussies who grew up watching classic television, these farewells feel especially personal—like saying goodbye to a familiar face from simpler times.
If you missed that tribute, it’s well worth a read.
Read more: The Dukes of Hazzard actor was found dead at 79, with cause of death unconfirmed
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