Australian TV legend Paul Cronin has died, aged 81

Iconic Australian TV star Paul Cronin has died at the age of 81. Best known for his roles in The Sullivans and Matlock Police, Cronin has been remembered as a devoted father and for his instrumental role in the Brisbane Bears’ AFL entry.

Beloved Australian TV icon Paul Cronin has died.

Australian TV legend Paul Cronin has died at the age of 81 surrounded by his four daughters and grandchildren.

Best known for his iconic roles as Dave Sullivan in the much-loved series The Sullivans and Gary Hogan in Matlock Police, Cronin won five silver Logies and was crowned the King of Moomba in 1980.

A passionate AFL supporter, he was awarded the licence to establish the Brisbane Bears AFL team in 1986 and was president of the club from 1987 to 1989.

Daughters Katherine, Jane, Susanne and Jules were by his side when he passed away last night.

“He was the most wonderful father, he was protective, he would have done everything for his girls. We loved him so much, he adored mum so much,” Susanne says.

Cast of The Sullivans (from right): Susan Hannaford, Paul Cronin, Lorraine Bayly, Andrew McFarlane, Steven Tandy and Richard Morgan (kneeling front).

Paul Cronin played Constable Gary Hogan in Matlock Police. Picture: Channel Ten.

Cronin has been remembered as a devoted family man.

Cronin’s wife Helen was his greatest supporter and the actor was devastated by her death in 2013.

“He still called her his bride after 50 years of marriage,” Susanne says.

At the height of his career Cronin was one of the most recognisable faces on Australian TV. His other credits included Homicide, Division 4, Solo One, Mathew and Son and The Flying Doctors.

He was also well known for a series of drink driving ads in the early 1980s with the tag line, ‘What sort of a friend are you, would you let a friend drive home if he’s had too much to drink?’.

Cronin was a beloved icon of Australian television.

The passionate AFL supporter was awarded the licence to establish the Brisbane Bears.

Philip Brady (right) and Paul Cronin (left).

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Born and raised on a farm in Jamestown, South Australia, he was a state runner and champion gymnast.

He began his working life as a semi trailer driver and draftsman before moving to Melbourne and deciding to try his luck at acting.

“The story goes he was watching TV one night with mum and he said ‘I reckon I could do that’, and she said, ‘why don’t you?’. He got a walk on role in one of the Crawford Productions and then he got Matlock and the rest is history,” Susanne says.

“We’re so proud of what he achieved in his career. He was determined to follow through on anything he set his mind to. He wanted to start a football team and he did it with the Brisbane Bears.”

Originally published as Australian TV legend Paul Cronin has died, aged 81