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ABC News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Founding Play School presenter Donald Macdonald remembered as gentle, generous and prolific
Donald Macdonald was many things over his 80+ years, bringing his infectious energy to both screen and stage around Australia and the world. When he died on the Gold Coast in June, Donald was remembered for a particularly important career achievement: he was one of the original presenters on Play School. But this was just the first chapter in a theatrical career that spanned the next 60 years. As said on ABC Kids' social media, his role helped to "shape the foundations of what Play School has become today". "His gentle spirit and playful storytelling made countless children feel seen, heard and encouraged to imagine." But he was also one of Australia's most prolific theatre talents, widely acclaimed for his extraordinary vocal coaching, directorial expertise, and his calm and generous spirit. Donald's father "Mac" Macdonald served in World War II but died of war wounds shortly thereafter. Donald, born in Sydney in 1938, was too young to remember his father and was an only child, raised by his mother. After completing school, Donald began his acting career at Sydney's famous Music Hall, performing in East Lynne and Lady Audley's Secret, among others. The first episode of Play School was on July 18, 1966. Among a cast of former school teachers and Australian actors, Donald helped shepherd the show into the country's hearts with his friendly manner, wonderful clear voice and comic timing. His instinct for comedy was to prove vital as his career blossomed in future decades. In 1968, Donald starred in the ABC's I Married a Bachelor, where he played Mervyn MacGregor — the show won the Logie for Best Comedy that year. For the ABC, Donald also starred in The Box and Come in Spinner, as well as Is Australia Really Necessary, alongside the legendary Miriam Karlin. On stage, he starred in A Cup of Tea, a Bex and a Good Lie Down. Later, Donald appeared in the ABC's Backberner and the films Black and White, Superman Returns and Kenny. Donald also had guest roles in dozens of other shows including Kingswood Country, Cop Shop, A Country Practice, Rafferty's Rules, Heroes II, GP, Jag, and Rake. Donald performed innumerable roles with the Sydney and Queensland theatre companies, as well as appearing in the musicals Camelot and McKillop. After establishing his career in Sydney, Donald moved to the UK, making his West End debut in Sons of Cain, before first appearing on UK television in Colditz. An award-winning screenwriter, novelist, and author, Donald wrote one of Australia's most successful stage comedies, Caravan (1983). The show originally delighted audiences at the Sydney Opera House for The Ensemble Theatre, and then it went to London, where Donald also starred in the cast. A story of three couples on holiday together in NSW, Caravan is still regularly performed to this day. Donald also wrote several other plays, including Hot Taps, Giuseppe, Saints Alive, Seasons, Boulevard Play, Truth, and The Italian Classic. His novel, With a Wise Man, was published by Pan Macmillan Australia. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Donald explored various eastern and western spiritualities. Following a long period of discernment, he ultimately converted to Catholicism, and later became an enthusiastic proponent of Christian meditation. After spending time in meditation and prayer, Donald learned the entire gospel off by heart and developed his one-man play, The Gospel According to St John, where he brought the story to life in a captivating 90-minute production. Over the next 25 years, Donald performed The Gospel of St John across Australia and overseas, including at the Edinburgh Festival, in London, and New York. In 2002, Donald became principal theatrical director with Artes Christi, where, over the next two decades, he directed multiple productions including A Man for All Seasons (2002 and 2011), Murder in the Cathedral (2005 and 2018), Shadowlands, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Jeweller's Shop, and his own play, Saints Alive. Donald enjoyed a legendary reputation among the actors he directed — many spoke of being profoundly uplifted in their work by him. Donald would famously instruct his casts: "Use the words — it's all there. It's in the words." A strong supporter of Australian veterans, Donald became artistic adviser to The Australian Remembrance Foundation, and in 2021 performed in the original Anzac Sunset Tribute alongside Christine Anu, Judy Nunn, and Bruce Venables. One of Donald's final successes was writing Letter to Larry: A play based on the life of Vivien Leigh, which has been staged in London and Paris to rave reviews. The play has had three successful West End runs, with a feature film also in planning. Donald was prolific until his final weeks, continuing to write and develop multiple works while suffering from cancer. Donald was the greatest artistic influence of my life, an extraordinary person whom I had the deep honour to work with for more than two decades. He will be sorely missed by his family, hundreds of artists, and thousands of audience members across Australia and overseas. Anthony McCarthy worked with Donald Macdonald on more than a dozen productions and is now the artistic director & CEO of The Australian Remembrance Foundation.
Metro
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
BBC Play School presenter Donald Macdonald dies aged 86
Children's TV presenter Donald Macdonald, famed for hosting BBC show Play School, has died aged 86. The veteran actor died on Monday shortly after being diagnosed with cancer and is remembered for his long-running theatre and TV career – with some praising him as a 'showbiz great'. The late Australian star was one of the presenters on BBC's hit children's show Play School in the late 1960s. 'One of our showbiz greats left us at 12:45am today. Donald Macdonald was a stalwart of stage and screen, who'd written smash hit plays like Caravan, dazzled on London's West End, and delighted millions over the decades with his starring turns on TV series like Play School where he was a presenter from 1966 to 1969,' journalist Craig Bennett announced on social media. His tribute called Macdonald a 'dapper delight and always great company'. The post shared an insight into MacDonald's final days, continuing: 'His cherished cousin Paula Duncan and Amelia Barrett have been in residence as his last days approached. 'On Saturday, we turned his hospital room into a party, laughs and smiles a-plenty, as Donald enjoyed some bubbly and lemon meringue pie! Blue was always his colour, even in a hospital gown!' His credits also include a feature in 2006's Superman Returns and TV show Darwin's Brave New World. Tributes have flooded in for the screen and stage star. 'I was so sorry to read the news about Donald's passing Craig – I have fond memories of times spent with him. He was such a kind man and was always great fun,' Darren Gray wrote on Facebook. 'Honoured to have appeared in two of his plays. The consummate gentleman. And, no one played a High Court Judge like Donald. RIP,' Joanna Walker shared. 'So many memories of Donald Macdonald's incredible career,' Jane Tory reflected. More Trending 'Ohh such devastating unwelcome news. What a gentleman and lovely friend. I'm deeply saddened,' Steven Tandy echoed. 'Fortunate to have some lovely memories of happy times with Donald. A gentleman and a gentle man,' David Green agreed. His IMDb credits also include Darwin's Brave New World, Superman Returns and 1972's The Pathfinders. The Australian born star, who lived in the UK for several years, most recently appeared in the ABC drama Rake which is available to stream on Channel 4. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Women's Euro 2025 TV channel schedule: How to watch every game in the UK MORE: Why is The One Show not on BBC One this week? MORE: Bob Vylan Glastonbury set 'should have been pulled from livestream', BBC admits
Daily Record
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Donald Macdonald dies as tributes paid to popular kids TV presenter
Famed for hosting children's show Play School, the "showbiz great" lost his short battle with cancer on Monday. Veteran TV presenter Donald Macdonald has died aged 86. Famed for hosting children's show Play School, the "showbiz great" lost his short battle with cancer on Monday. As reported by the Mirror, his career spanned more than 40 years and saw him star in a number of stage shows - including John McKellar's A Cup of Tea, a Bex and a Good Lie Down - as well as TV dramas he also wrote. He is best remembered, however, for entertaining families on iconic BBC show Play School, which Donald presented from 1966 to 1969 alongside other famous faces, such as Trisha Goddard. Journalist Craig Bennett shared on his social media yesterday: "One of our showbiz greats left us at 12:45am today. "Donald Macdonald was a stalwart of stage and screen, who'd written smash-hit plays like Caravan, dazzled on London's West End, and delighted millions over the decades with his starring turns on TV series like Play School where he was a presenter from 1966 to 1969." Bennett, who is based in Australia where Donald was born, added: "He guested on shows from Certain Women, The Box, Cop Shop and Skyways, to the raunchy Alvin Purple, and in movies like Superman Returns. Donald was a dapper delight and always great company." Donald enjoyed early success as a stage actor in Australia before moving to the UK in the mid-1960s to broaden his career. He was able to write more theatre work, including Caravan, a comedic play about three couples on a hapless holiday together. He continued to act, and film credits included Superman Returns and Kenny. However, a short journey with cancer put pay to acting and presenting in recent years, and Donald died in Australia on Monday. The performer spent time with his cousins Paula Duncan and Amelia Barrett during his last days. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Mr Bennett's social media post continued: "On Saturday we turned his hospital room into a party, laughs and smiles a-plenty, as Donald enjoyed some bubbly and lemon meringue pie. Blue was always his colour, even in a hospital gown! He gave his permission to post his last photo, saying 'what the heck!' Vale to a true gentleman." Facebook users responded to the journalist's post, sharing their sadness at the showbiz star's passing. One fellow actor wrote: "Honoured to have appeared in two of his plays. The consummate gentleman. And, no one played a High Court Judge like Donald. RIP." Another shared: "We were VERY LUCKY to meet Donald through you both, get to know him, and be entertained by his lovely demeanor, sharp wit and of course his writing skills. What a lovely, gentle man."
Sky News AU
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Play School presenter Donald Macdonald dies at 86
Donald Macdonald, one of Play School's first presenters and a respected actor, has died aged 86. Remembered as one of the original presenters when Play School launched in 1966, the Sydney-born actor died following a battle with cancer surrounded by family. Journalist Craig Bennett shared the news on Monday, penning a heartfelt tribute to 'a true gentleman'. 'One of our showbiz greats left us at 12:45am today,' the post said. 'Donald Macdonald was a stalwart of stage and screen, who'd written smash hit plays like Caravan, dazzled on London's West End, and delighted millions over the decades with his starring turns on TV series like Play School where he was a presenter from 1966 to 1969.' Spending his final days with his 'cherished' cousins Paula Duncan and Amelia Barrett, Bennett said Macdonald faced the cancer with 'copious good humour'. 'On Saturday we turned his hospital room into a party, laughs and smiles a-plenty, as Donald enjoyed some bubbly and lemon meringue pie!' Bennett wrote. 'Blue was always his colour, even in a hospital gown!' Macdonald's career spanned more than 40 years, with credits including appearances on popular Australian TV shows such as Certain Women, The Box, Rake, Cop Shop, and Skyways. He also featured in the cult film Alvin Purple and made a cameo in Superman Returns. A highly regarded figure in the arts, Macdonald became an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1991 for his leadership as general manager of the Australian Opera. In 2006, he was recognised as a Companion of the Order of Australia for his outstanding impact on national life and the creative industries, including his work in public broadcasting. Fans remembered Macdonald as a 'lovely gentleman', posting condolences under the tribute. 'A very good man … was honoured to be part of the first national tour of Caravan. Some wonderful memories. Sending love to you all,' one fan commented. 'Thank you, Craig for letting us all know. A sad day for those Left Behind who loved this dear gentleman. It's beautiful Craig how you honour people that need to be honoured and reminds all of us of their rich and incredible life. May he rest in peace.' another added. 'We were VERY LUCKY to meet Donald through you both, get to know him, and be entertained by his lovely demeanour, sharp wit and of course his writing skills. What a lovely, gentleman.' Originally published as 'Dapper Delight': Acting great Donald Macdonald dies after cancer battle
Scottish Sun
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Donald MacDonald dead aged 86: BBC children's TV star dies after cancer battle as family pay tribute to ‘true gentleman'
Donald 'dazzled on London's West End' across his 40-year career 'SHOWBIZ GREAT' Donald MacDonald dead aged 86: BBC children's TV star dies after cancer battle as family pay tribute to 'true gentleman' A LEGENDARY TV presenter hailed for hosting a beloved children's' show has died aged 86. Donald Macdonald, best known for lighting up the screen on Play School, passed away on Monday after a brave battle with cancer. Across his stellar 40-year career, Donald starred in stage productions and TV dramas. His credits include John McKellar's A Cup of Tea, a Bex and a Good Lie Down. News of the star's death was confirmed by journalist Craig Bennett. He penned a moving tribute on Donald's social media which read: "One of our showbiz greats left us at 12:45am today. "Donald Macdonald was a stalwart of stage and screen, who'd written smash-hit plays like Caravan, dazzled on London's West End, and delighted millions over the decades with his starring turns on TV series like Play School where he was a presenter from 1966 to 1969. "He guested on shows from Certain Women, The Box, Cop Shop and Skyways, to the raunchy Alvin Purple, and in movies like Superman Returns. Donald was a dapper delight and always great company." He added: "On Saturday we turned his hospital room into a party, laughs and smiles a-plenty, as Donald enjoyed some bubbly and lemon meringue pie. "Blue was always his colour, even in a hospital gown! He gave his permission to post his last photo, saying 'what the heck!' Vale to a true gentleman." Tributes have since poured in for the much-loved presenter. One fan, and fellow actor, wrote: "Honoured to have appeared in two of his plays. The consummate gentleman. And, no one played a High Court Judge like Donald. RIP." Another said: "We were VERY LUCKY to meet Donald through you both, get to know him, and be entertained by his lovely demeanor, sharp wit and of course his writing skills. What a lovely, gentle man." 1 Donald Macdonald died of cancer on Monday More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
