McLeod’s Daughters star Marshall Napier dies of brain cancer

The prominent actor, whose TV credits include McLeod’s Daughters, All Saints, City Homicide and Water Rats, has died aged 70.

Actor Marshall Napier, with Jessica Napier in scene from TV program McLeod's Daughters, has died of brain cancer.

Prominent actor Marshall Napier has died.

The star of classic Aussie shows including All Saints, Stingers, McLeod’s Daughters, City Homicide, Love Child and Jack Irish was 70.

Actor daughter Jessica Napier, who also appeared on McLeod’s Daughters, announced the sad news on social media.

“After a short and intense battle with brain cancer he left us this morning,” Napier wrote on Sunday on Instagram.

“He was peaceful and surrounded by family. Dad you are one of a kind and I can’t even understand what the world will be like without you in it.

Actor Marshall Napier starred in the play All My Sons at the Eternity Playhouse.

Marshall Napier in Bellbird.

“Your charisma and charm was second to none. You’re creativity and intellect was my inspiration. I love you so much and feel completely lost without you.

“I’m glad you can soar free of the pain and confusion. Love you always, Dinky xxx.”

Tributes flowed with actor Rodger Corser among those remembering Napier’s life.

“What a commanding presence he was on a screen and stage. Always loved working with your Dad, a drier wit you could not find. He will be greatly missed by all of his peers.”

Napier was born James Marshall Napier in 1951 in Lower Hutt, New Zealand.

The father of three moved to Australia with his wife and children in 1988, where he very quickly established himself across television, film and the stage.

Marshall Napier’s daughter Jessica posted a tribute to Instagram.

He was perhaps best recognised for playing Harry Ryan on much loved Aussie TV drama McLeod’s Daughters from 2001 to 2006.

Water Rats, Police Rescue, Blue Murder and Farscape were some of his other television roles.

Marshall appeared in countless stage productions, including The Present in 2016 and 2017 with Cate Blanchett for the Sydney Theatre Company.

On the big screen, his credits included Down Under, Little Monsters, Babe, The Big Steal and Footrot Flats.

“What a man. This is big. He was such an inspiration to so many,” Erik Thomson wrote on Jessica Napier’s post.

“Please wrap yourself and your family in a massive hug from us. V sad.”

Rebecca Gibney wrote: “Marshall was such a beautiful man and a wonderful actor. Sending much love.”

Myles Pollard played Nick Ryan on McLeod’s Daughters.

“Oh Jess sorry for your loss,” he wrote.

“He was a legend. So many great memories chatting with him on set and hearing all his crazy stories making films in the 70s and 80s. I really looked up to him. Much love to you and your family.”