Australian actor Paul Cronin, best known for his role in The Sullivans, has died at 81.
Cronin—who won five silver Logies—played Dave Sullivan in the beloved soap opera from 1976-1983, and Gary Hogan in Matlock Police (1971-76).
He died surrounded by his four daughters and grandchildren, the Herald Sun reported.
“He was the most wonderful father, he was protective, he would have done everything for his girls,” he daughter Susanne said.
“We loved him so much, he adored mum so much.”
Aside from acting, Cronin was a passionate AFL supporter who founded the Brisbane Bears team in the late 1980s.
Born in Jamestown, South Australia in 1938, he was married to wife Helen for 50 years. She died in 2013.
He also starred as Gary Hogan in Matlock Police, and its spin-off Solo One (1976), both of which were set in a country town in Victoria.
Other TV credits included Homicide, Division 4, The Flying Doctors, A Place To Call Home, and State Coroner.
In the 1980s, Cronin fronted a series of TV commercials about drink-driving, with his tagline “What sort of friend are you? … Would you let a mate drink and drive?”
Australian entertainers have paid tribute to the actor online.
“Saddened to hear of the death of our old family friend Paul Cronin. Great actor, great guy. Will be missed,” wrote comedian Marty Fields on Twitter.
Radio host Simon Owens said he shared many laughs while working together.
“So sad to hear of the passing of the lovely Paul Cronin. It was an honour to have worked with the great man. Many, many laughs. There will never be another Dave Sullivan,” he wrote.
