Neighbours star Troy Beckwith who played Michael Martin dead at 48

28 January 2024 , 12:49

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Neighbours star Troy Beckwith who played Michael Martin dead at 48

Neighbours legend Troy Beckwith has died at the age of 48. His co-star in the Australian soap, Kym Valentine, confirmed the actor’s passing in a tribute posted on social media.

Kym, who played Libby Kennedy in the soap, said that there would be no funeral for Troy, in accordance with his final wishes, as she shared details of his passing on social media. She posted: "It pains me so much to have to say this. Our dear old friend Troy Beckwith has passed away. Another member of our TV family gone way too soon. Thanks for all the memories my cheeky mate and all my love to your friends and family."

Troy Beckwith has died aged 48 (vicpolicenews.com.au)

Troy played Martin on Neighbours from 1992 to 1998, a character nicknamed "Sicko Micko" and one of the greatest villains in the soap's history. Troy's co-stars have paid tribute to the actor with Brett Blewitt, who is reprising the role of Brett Stark in the soap after 28 years, wrote: "He was such a lovely person. Deeply thoughtful and empathetic. Cheeky and playful once out of his shell. Way too soon. Love you mate.” Lucinda Cowden, who plays Melanie Pearson on Ramsay Street, posted a string of broken heart emojis, while Neighbours casting director Jan Russ posted: “Dear Troy… That is so sad. Gorgeous boy."

Troy Beckwith as Michael Martin in Neighbours

Back in 2017, Troy worried family and friends after he disappeared without a trace for a couple of weeks before being found "safe and well" by police. At the time, Sen-Constable Kristen Hill of Cranbourne Police said: "He's got his mobile phone, he contacted his partner, saying an appointment had been cancelled and that was the last time she heard from him."

At the time Troy had a medical condition, the details of which were not released, but police said his family were worried about him as a result. Police believed that he was staying in hostels around Melbourne and staying under the radar.

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Thirteen days after being reported missing came the good news that Troy had been found, with Cranbourne Police tweeting at the time: "Great news! Missing 41-year-old Troy Beckwith has been located safe and well. Police would like to thank the public for their assistance." As well as starring in Neighbours, Troy also played the lead character in the children's series Pugwall, in which he played the role of keyboard player Jeremy "Bazza" Bazlington.

James Brinsford