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ABC News
7 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.
Hamilton Spectator
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Stampede Queen competition wraps up over weekend
The 2025 Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede Queen Competition has come to a close, and for this year's competitors, all that remains is to wait to begin their reign. With two participants in this year's competition, both young women, Mila Stuut and Joleigh Wood will be taking on a title and a year as MHES Rodeo Royalty. The feelings regarding competition week being over are mixed, says Wood, as while they are relieved to have successfully completed the various events that make up competition week, it does mean that their time alongside current MHES Queen and Princess Charlie Christie and Charlatan Sandford is coming to a close. 'Charlie and Charlatan have made it just an absolutely amazing experience. They have really helped us through any challenges that we've experienced,' said Stuut. 'They've helped us come out of our comfort zones and be more confident with everything royalty does, and they've really done a great job of showing us the ropes and keeping us on our toes.' The competition was not without some small hiccups, says Wood, but the pair felt that they were able to push through and present their best possible selves, both individually and as a budding pair in true future royalty fashion. Both say they have come a long way since making the decision to run this year, feeling they have grown as people, and they are grateful for the chance to become close in the days leading up to their crowning. 'I was told during boot camp, competition either makes or breaks you, and I feel it better both of us, for sure. Mila and I have gotten a lot closer during this competition week, and it kind of just set us on the right path,' said Wood. The pair were asked to demonstrate their horsemanship skills, as well as public speaking and modelling, though their personal highlights come not for the public-facing events, but from various appearances throughout town, where they were being judged on their personality. For Stuut, her highlight was visiting the police station and getting a better look at the city, where Wood said she will never forget their time attending the Play School, which she says truly demonstrated the impact that Rodeo Royalty can have on the youth. The pair are looking forward to relaxing for a new days before attending more events with the current royalty, all leading up to when they will don the crown and sash themselves and begin what they already realize will be a whirlwind of a year. 'During the girls' speech on Friday, when they were doing their goodbyes, it just made me realize how fast this year can go by,' said Wood. 'And I know I looked over and Mila was kind of tearing up, and I was kind of tearing up just thinking of the fact that that's going to be us next year. We can make that large of an impact on people.' Stuut said that they already have big plans for their reign and what they want to accomplish with their year representing Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede and the Western way of life, and they are thrilled to be able to take it on together. 'I think that we'll work together as a fantastic team for the rest of the year,' said Stuut. 'We've been able to form a pretty special bond already.' Crowning will take place in the dirt during the intermission of the Summer Pro Rodeo on July 25, and will be viewable for all those with a rodeo ticket for the evening. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Donald McDonald death: Play School star and ‘showbiz great' dies aged 86
Play School presenter Donald McDonald has died aged 86. The TV host, born in Australia, was known for his decades-long career spanning both stage and screen, but was most notable for being one of the first hosts of popular BBC children's programme Play School from 1966 to 1969 alongside the likes of Trisha Goddard. News of McDonald's death was confirmed by entertainment journalist Craig Bennett, who was a good friend of the star. He is said to have died after a short illness with an undisclosed form of cancer. 'One of our showbiz greats left us at 12:45am today,' Bennett wrote on Facebook on Tuesday (1 July) alongside a carousel of pictures of the TV veteran. '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 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.' The reporter shared details about McDonald's final moments. 'On Saturday we turned his hospital room into a party, laughs and smiles a-plenty, as Donald enjoyed some bubbly and lemon meringue pie,' he continued. '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.' Vale is an Australian term used to say 'farewell' or 'rest in peace' when a person dies. Tributes poured in as one person wrote: 'I have fond memories of times spent with him. He was such a kind man and was always great fun.' A former colleague added: 'A very good man… was honoured to be part of the first national tour of Caravan. Some wonderful memories. Sending love to you all.' 'He was great indeed,' commented another. 'I worked with him several times at Crawfords. He was always open with his vast experience and knowledge. I was fortunate. Fly high Donald. My condolences to his family and many friends.'
ABC News
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Australian actor and original Play School presenter Donald MacDonald dead at 86
Australian actor Donald MacDonald, who was one of the first Play School presenters, has died at the age of 86. MacDonald, who performed in Australia and the United Kingdom, died of cancer on the Gold Coast in the early hours of Monday. Cousin and fellow actor Paula Duncan said she would never forget MacDonald's storytelling ability, comedic flair and impeccable sense of timing. "Donald was like a big brother to me — I grew up with him and he helped train me," she said. "I've had an adoration for him all my life. MacDonald's career in film, television and on the stage spanned decades and included credits on The Box, Cop Shop and A Town Like Alice. More recently he appeared in Rake, Kenny and Superman Returns. Duncan said MacDonald was humble by nature. "He was someone who appreciated life but was never vain or a personality that wanted a lot of attention — in fact he'd probably shy away from it," she said. Duncan said MacDonald also wrote plays and novels. "His career was so substantial," she said. "It's kind of sad in a way, because all this media is going to come out now. "I wish it came out when he was alive and all these people could see what he actually did — he was just extraordinary. Showbusiness reporter and friend Craig Bennett said he shared a cheers with MacDonald in the hospital on the weekend. He said MacDonald's career, which began in Sydney, showcased his range. "[Including] The Box, the sex-and-sin soapie of the 1970s, where he played a closeted gay newsreader," Bennett said. "Back then people clutched their pearls and grabbed their smelling salts because we didn't hear much of these things.
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
