Who was Donald MacDonald? What we know as beloved play school star dies at 86

Beloved play school star Donald MacDonald has died. He was 86.

The Australian actor was most known for being one of the first presenters of Play School, having performed in his home country and the UK alongside Trisha Goddard. ABC has reported that he succumbed to cancer early on Monday morning.

Entertainment journalist Craig Bennett confirmed his friend's demise on Facebook earlier today. He revealed that MacDonald died of an undisclosed illness stemming from the cancer.

“One of our showbiz greats left us at 12:45am today,” penned, alongside a string of photos of the TV host. “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.”

Donald MacDonald's life and legacy explored as tributes come pouring in:

In his Facebook post, Craig Bennet also opened up about Donald MacDonald'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 shared. “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.”

Paula Duncan, MacDonald's cousin and fellow actor, also penned a tribute:

"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.

Donald MacDonald's career in television and film goes back decades. Some of his credits include The Box, Cop Shop, and A Town Like Alice. More recently, he was featured in Rake, Kenny, and Superman Returns.

"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," Duncan said of her late cousin. "His career was so substantial," she added. "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. He left with such dignity. A gentleman. An absolute gentleman."

The seasoned actor was the original cast member of Play School when it debuted in 1966. It included the likes of Don Spencer, Alister Smart, and Lorraine Bayly. His stint with the show came to an end in 1969, following which, he starred in his own television show, I Married a Bachelor.

Donald MacDonald also made guest appearances on Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, The Pathfinders, A Country Practice, Cop Shop, Skyways, Rafferty's Rules and Rake. However, apart from acting, he was an accomplished author in his own right, known for penning the stage play Caravan, which went on to nab awards.

Sky News Australia has reported that Donald MacDonald was also an honored member of the arts community, with the title of A.O. (Officer of the Order of Australia) under his belt.

He earned the title in 1991 for his contributions as General Manager of the Australian Opera. By 2006, he nabbed the title of A.C. (Companion of the Order of Australia) for his work in the national life and creative industries.

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