‘Deep sorrow’: Star of controversial Aussie docuseries Struggle Street dead

A man who appeared on the controversial Australian documentary series Struggle Street has died at the age of 56.

A man who appeared on the controversial Australian documentary series Struggle Street died recently at the age of 56.

Bob Quinn, who shocked viewers along with his much younger pregnant bong-smoking girlfriend Billie Jo Wilkie, died in late June.

Quinn was one of several residents of public housing areas in Western Sydney who agreed to be part of the first season of Struggle Street, filmed back in 2014.

The show eventually ran for three seasons on SBS, moving to other underprivileged locations for its second and third seasons as it aired from 2015 to 2019.

Bob Quinn appeared in season one of Struggle Street.

Bob’s pregnant girlfriend Billie Jo was shown smoking marijuana on camera.

The first season of Struggle Street examined the setbacks and aspirations of the residents as they carved out lives in the public housing estates of Mount Druitt, an area rife with crime, unemployment and drug use.

Season one was an instant controversy magnet: Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali labelled the show “poverty porn” but it was a big hit with audiences, averaging around 1.1 million viewers across the five capital cities. Some of the participants’ open drug use on camera shocked viewers and generated much media coverage.

Quinn appeared alongside heavily pregnant girlfriend Billie Jo Wilkie, who made world news smoking a bong while sitting on the toilet. The pair split after the season aired.

Quinn’s son Cameran announced his father’s death in a public Facebook post on July 19.

Quinn’s son says his father will be “profoundly missed.” Picture: Facebook

“It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that I share the passing of my father, one of my closest companions in life. Born on July 23, 1967, and leaving us on June 26, 2024, my dad’s life was a tapestry of rich experiences, filled with ups and downs. He lived fully within his means and embraced every moment,” he wrote.

Cameran said his father would be “profoundly missed” and his death would “take a long time to come to terms with.”

“Dad, I will keep your spirit close to me as I walk the rest of my path in life. I will look for the signs you send from the spirit world and find comfort in knowing you will guide me through the days ahead. The thought of our family being reunited in spirit brings me immense solace. I feel your presence and that of our family, and it strengthens me,” he wrote.