Troy Beckwith

Troy Beckwith
Born
Troy Anthony Beckwith[1]

1975 or 1976[2]
Died (aged 48)
OccupationActor
Years active1989–1999
Known for

Troy Anthony Beckwith (1975 or 1976 – 24 January 2024) was an Australian television actor, known for his roles as Bazza in Pugwall and Michael Mellop in The Miraculous Mellops, as well as being the second actor to play Michael Martin in the soap opera Neighbours, from 1992 until 1994, with several guest reappearances until 1998.

Career

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Beckwith began his career playing Jeremy "Bazza" Bazlington in the children's television series Pugwall in 1989, appearing in 42 episodes.[3] He went onto play Michael Mellop in the children's series The Miraculous Mellops from its beginning in 1991.[4]

Beckwith is perhaps best known for being the second actor, after Samuel Hammington, to portray Michael Martin on Neighbours, a regular role he had from 1992 until 1994, before making guest appearances until 1998. The series often drew in large viewing figures in both Australia and the United Kingdom.[5] Beckwith had previously played the recurring role of school bully Darren Wood prior to securing the role of Michael.[6]

Beckwith made several other television and film appearances, including Blue Heelers, Good Guys, Bad Guys, and Chances.[7][8] He also appeared in Snowy and Halifax f.p..[2] His final acting role was an appearance in the 1999 short film Caffeine.[3]

Death

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On 28 January 2024, it was announced that Beckwith had died four days prior at the age of 48.[2] His former Neighbours co-star Kym Valentine and his family confirmed that he had cancer.[9] Tributes were paid across social media by family, fans and former colleagues.[10] Beckwith asked not to have a funeral.[2]

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
1989–1991[3] Pugwall Jeremy "Bazza" Bazlington Main cast (42 episodes)
1991–1992 The Miraculous Mellops Michael Mellop Main cast
1991 Chances Zeke
1991 Neighbours Darren Wood Recurring role (6 episodes)
1992–1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 Neighbours Michael Martin Main cast (151 episodes)
1993 Snowy Steve
1995 Halifax f.p. Rob Pringle
1996 Blue Heelers Brian Stenmark
1998 Good Guys, Bad Guys Smithy
1999 Blue Heelers Brendan Kelly
1999 Caffeine Troy Short film

References

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  1. ^ Butcher, Steve (22 February 1998). "Former TV soap actor in court". The Age. Retrieved 28 January 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Free access icon
  2. ^ a b c d Knox, David (29 January 2024). "Vale: Troy Beckwith". TV Tonight. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Quinn, Karl (29 January 2024). "Family reveals cause of death of former Neighbours actor Troy Beckwith". The Age. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  4. ^ Sadler, Kevin (24 November 1991). "Meet the merry Mellops". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 28 January 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Free access icon
  5. ^ Stolworthy, Jacob (28 January 2024). "Neighbours star Troy Beckwith dies, aged 48". The Independent. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
  6. ^ Monroe, Josephine (1994). The Neighbours Programme Guide. Virgin Books. p. 240.
  7. ^ Clarke, Naomi (28 January 2024). "Neighbours actress Kym Valentine pays tribute to late co-star Troy Beckwith". Evening Standard. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
  8. ^ "Neighbours star Troy Beckwith dead at 48". Herald Sun. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
  9. ^ Lewin, Rhiannon (29 January 2024). "Neighbours star's cause of death revealed as cast pays tribute". 7News. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  10. ^ Brinsford, James; Fisher, Oscar (28 January 2024). "Neighbours star Troy Beckwith who played Michael Martin dies aged 48". Nottingham Post.
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