Home And Away star Dieter Brummer found dead from suicide

Former Home And Away star Dieter Brummer has died at the age of 45. He was best known for playing Shane Parrish.

Actor Dieter Brummer has been remembered as “handsome, talented, funny and complicated” after it was revealed the much loved former soap star had taken his life at the age of 45.

Brummer is understood to have been living with his parents in the Sydney suburb of Glenhaven and is of course best known for playing Shane Parrish alongside on-screen love interest Angel, played by Melissa George, on Home And Away.

“We post this today with a heavy heart,” a statement from Brummer’s family read.

“We lost our handsome, talented, funny, complicated and beloved Dieter on Saturday morning. He has left a massive hole in our lives and our world will never be the same. Our thoughts go out to all of you who knew him, loved him, or worked with him over the years.

“We appreciate you respecting our privacy at this terrible time. Should you, or anyone you know be affected by this, or indeed are feeling pain at this time, there are good people that you can talk to.”

Actor Dieter Brummer in 1993. Photo: Paul Hutton

Brummer was born Dieter Kirk Brummer on May 5, 1976, in Sydney.

He landed the role as Shane Parrish in 1991 and was a regular cast member until 1996, when the character died of blood poisoning. He won two Logie Awards for his work on the TV drama — Most Popular Actor in the years 1995 and 1996.

Brummer, who was voted the Prince of Soap by Dolly magazine readers in 1993 and 1994, also appeared in shows including Underbelly and Neighbours.

NSW Police confirmed a man had been found dead at a home on Saturday.

“About 1.30pm (Saturday 24 July 2021), officers from The Hills Police Area Command responded to reports of a concern for welfare at a home on Glenhaven Road, Glenhaven,” a statement read.

“The body of a man was located inside the home. His death is not believed to be suspicious. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.”

Former Sons and Daughters actor and family friend Steve Comey was the first to share the tragic news on Facebook.

“Heartbreaking news,” he wrote. “We have lost a free spirit. Vale Dieter Brummer. Way too young. Way too soon. My sincerest, deepest condolences to his beautiful sister Karlene and all of Dieters family & friends. Keep flying young fella.”

Dieter Brummer also appeared on Neighbours as Troy Miller. Picture: Giles Park.

Dieter Brummer at Sydney's Fox Studios in 2001. Picture: Angelo Soulas.

Home And Away first aired on Channel 7 in 1988 and has continued until today.

“Home And Away and Channel 7 are deeply saddened to hear of Dieter Brummer’s passing,” a Seven spokeswoman said.

“Dieter was a much-loved Home And Away cast member and celebrated by Australian and international audiences for his award-winning portrayal of Shane Parrish. We send our sincere condolences to Dieter’s family and friends during this very difficult time.”

Of the current cast, Ray Meagher, who plays Alf Stewart, Lynne McGranger (Irene Roberts) and Emily Symons (Marilyn Chambers-Fisher) are the only actors to have worked on the show with Brummer.

“Utterly shocked and saddened to hear of Dieter’s passing,” McGranger said. “I hope he’s at peace now.”

Meagher said: “Dieter was a wonderful fresh faced good looking uncomplicated young bloke when he was on H&A over 25 years ago. It’s very sad to hear of his passing at such a young age. Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.”

Symons said she couldn’t believe the “absolutely tragic news”.

“Dieter was such a lovely, kind, genuine person,” she wrote on Instagram. “I always enjoyed working with him. I will never forget his beautiful smile, he was a much loved member of our Home and Away family. Thinking of his loved ones at this difficult time.”

Debra Lawrence, who played Pippa Ross, from 1990 to 1998, wrote: “such sad news”.

“Vale our beautiful Dieter Brummer. Such desperately sad news,” she said. “Dieter was a golden presence in Home And Away, much loved and very much part of the family. My heart goes out to his family and friends during this painfully difficult time.”

A tribute shared by former Home And Away actor Kristy Wright.

Co-star Debra Lawrence shared this photo of Dieter Brummer.

TV host Jo Beth Taylor said she had been in touch with Brummer recently, commenting: “I’m heartbroken”.

Kristy Wright, who played Chloe Richards on the show, shared a black and white image of the pair together in her tribute to Brummer.

“I don’t have any words right now but my heart is screaming and I am numb,” she wrote. “Rest In Peace my darling Dieter, my first true love.”

Laura Vazquez joined the cast as Sarah Thompson in 1993. Today, she works behind the scenes on the show as head of the hair and makeup department.

“I can’t even,” she wrote on Facebook on hearing of Brummer’s passing. “RIP my friend Dieter. It’s a sad day. You’re now at peace.”

Ross Newton, who played Greg Marshall on the much loved show in the 90s, was

among those to pay tribute.

“I was in touch with him only about a week ago,” he wrote. “Can’t believe it.”

Dieter Brummer with Emily Symons in a scene from Home And Away.

Dieter Brummer and Melissa George as Shane and Angel on Home And Away.

Agent Stephen Harmon managed Brummer in the 1990s.

“I’m just shocked and so saddened by this terrible news,” Harmon said. “I worked with Dieter in the 90s as his agent, and have such fond memories of him. He was such a lovely, easy going, nice guy. He was such a big deal back then during the Home And Away days and so popular wherever he went.”

Outside of acting, Brummer ran a successful window cleaning business for many years.

He has over recent years kept a low profile despite continuing to act.

His last on screen performance was as Jason Ross on Winners & Losers in 2014.

Brummer’s other acting credits include Crash Palace, Medivac and The Man From Snowy River TV series.

In 2019, another former Home And Away actor, Ben Unwin, took his life at the age of 41. Unwin was found dead at his home in Minyon Falls, near Byron Bay, on August 14 that year.

He was known for playing Jesse McGregor from 1996 to 2005.

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