Erin Molan: Dieter Brummer was the ‘the first boy I fell in love with’

Erin Molan reveals why so many 30-somethings are mourning the death of TV actor – 90s heart-throb Dieter Brummer.

From actors to friends and family, tributes have flowed for actor Dieter Brummer after his tragic death at the age of 45. Here, 2DAY FM breakfast host Erin Molan, 37, remembers her first crush:

I never got to meet Dieter Brummer, although I have no doubt I would have embarrassed myself if I had … like the time I sat opposite Emily Symons at an event earlier this year and called her by her character name, Marilyn.

Then there was that time at the Logies, when I ran into ‘Irene Roberts’ and I called the actor I’ve seen on TV for what feels like my whole life, Lynne McGranger, by her character name too. She didn’t bat an eyelid, nor did Emily as I bet it has happened to them both a million times.

Dieter Brummer with Melissa George in their Home And Away wedding scene. The pair played Shane and Angel Parrish.

Dieter Brummer as a young man.

I have no doubt it would have been the same for Dieter Brummer, even decades after his stint as Shane Parrish on Home And Away. You see, I was a big fan growing up.

There’s something about TV Shows like Home And Away, and Neighbours too, that make you feel like you are a part of that world. You get to know the characters so well and sometimes you even fall in love with them.

My heart is full of that nostalgia and sadness as I think about Dieter Brummer taking his own life this week at the age of just 45.

Dieter Brummer on the cover of an old issue of Woman magazine.

Radio and TV personality Erin Molan. Picture: Toby Zerna

I think that’s why so many people, most of whom had never met Dieter, were so saddened by yesterday’s news. Dieter was the first boy I fell in love with. I was 13-years-old and I’d go so far as to say it was a borderline obsession.

Every poster that was released in TV Week Magazine, or TV Hits, Dolly and Girlfriend – I had hanging on my bedroom wall. Every schoolbook was plastered with his face, the scribbles inside often featuring professions of love and the name ‘Erin Brummer’. Yes I wrote that. Yes, I thought of myself growing up and marrying Dieter.

Every second kid in my class was the same. I was one of many thousands to fall in love with the cheeky, good looking boy with the gorgeous dimples who married Angel on Home And Away.

This week’s news is heartbreaking, much more so for Dieter’s family and friends, but it should be for all of us too. That the life of a man in his 40s ended so tragically is a travesty. Now, more than ever, check in on your friends, even the ones you think are OK. I am sending lots of love to all those who are mourning his loss.

Originally published as Erin Molan: Dieter Brummer was the ‘the first boy I fell in love with’