Marshall Napier, the veteran actor who was known for his roles in shows like McLeod’s Daughters, All Saints, and Jack Irish, passed away this Sunday. He was 70 years old. Her daughter announced the tragic news of his father’s death on Instagram.
She was his co-star on McLeod’s Daughters. Wellington-based actor Brian Sergent has also paid a heartfelt tribute to his co-actor and a very good friend.
“A man of kindness, wisdom and love and a great artist in the fields of acting, writing and visual arts. You will always be with me Marsh,” he wrote. Read on to know what happened to Marshall Napier, and how did he die.
How did Marshall Napier die?
Veteran actor Marshall Napier died on Sunday, August 14, 2024. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and loved ones at his home. The 70-year-old was battling brain cancer and it became the ultimate cause of his demise.
Her daughter Jessica Napier announced the grief-filled news on Instagram with an emotional tribute post.
“It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my beautiful dad Marshall Napier,” Jessica wrote.
“After a short and intense battle with brain cancer, he left us this morning.”
“He was peaceful and surrounded by family.”
“I love you so much and feel completely lost without you. I’m glad that you can soar free of the pain and confusion. Love you always, Dinky,” she added to conclude the post.
Tributes coming to Marshall Napier’s way
Ever since the heartbreaking news of Napier’s passing emerged, fans, friends, and acquaintances have been paying tributes to the late actor.
Actor Rodger Corser, known for his role in Doctor Doctor, commented on the post: “What a commanding presence he was on a screen and stage. Always loved working with your Dad, a drier wit you could not find.”
Packed to the Rafters actress Rebecca Gibney commented: “So sorry for your loss Jess. Marshall was such a beautiful man and a wonderful actor.”
Erik Thomson commented: “Oh dearest Jess I am so sorry. What a man. This is big . He was such an inspiration to so many. Please wrap yourself and your family in a massive hug from us. V sad xx.”
Daniel MacPherson, who worked with Napier on City Homicide, paid tribute to him on Twitter.
Very sad news xx
— Lady Elaine (@LadyElainex) August 14, 2024
The comment section of Jessica’s post and social media platforms are full of respectful words for Marshall Napier.
Marshall Napier Early Life and Acting Career
Marshall James Napier was born on October 22, 1951, in the Hutt Valley, New Zealand. He attended the Hutt Valley Excess College in the Lower Hutt area. He also attended Wellington Polytechnic for around a year studying Graphics Designing.
Before starting his career in acting, he tried hands at a number of professions including laborer, driving truck, and working in the factory. After that, he started acting at Wellington’s Downstage Theatre at the age of 23 years. He got his first on-screen role in the mid 1970s.
Napier got his first of many cop roles in 1980, starring in John Laing’s Beyond Reasonable Doubt. He played another police office in 1981’s Goodbye Pork Pie which was a massive hit. Napier played a small-town criminal Sel Bishop in 1980’s In Came a Hot Friday.
In 1986, Napier voiced the character of Hunk Murphy in Footrot Flats. The most notable appearance of his career came in Australian TV drama McLeod’s Daughters. He played Harry Ryan in the show from 2001 to 2006.
Some of his other significant appearances are in Love Child, Jack Irish, City Homicide, and Stingers. He was last seen in 2019’s Bellbird, and he will be seen for one last time in Northspur which is set to release on September 1, 2024.
Marshall Napier moved to Australia to get recognition
Napier was born and brought up in New Zealand. However, he moved to Australia in 1988. He was married and had two children at that time. The actor went there to advance his career and fortunately, it worked for him.
He lived in Australia for many years, and got the role of Harry Ryan on McLeod’s Daughters where his daughter became his co-star. He also achieved a number of significant roles in Australia. Police Rescue was one of them.
Peter Hambleton, who worked with Napier in Wellington Theatre called the late actor’s move to visit Australia a brave one. “Going to Australia is a tough thing for an actor to do and I know he is very highly regarded there,” he said.
Marshall Napier is survived by his wife Beverly, and children, Jessica, James Reuben, and Rose. Our heart goes out to the family. May God offer them strength and grant peace to the departed soul.
