TV legend Donald Macdonald, who presented the BBC’s Play School from 1966 to 1969, has died at the age of 86 after a short battle with cancer, with his showbiz pals paying tribute
Beloved television presenter Donald Macdonald, best known for hosting the classic children’s show Play School, has sadly passed away at the age of 86.
Following a brief battle with cancer, Donald lost his fight on Monday, leaving behind a legacy spanning over 40 years in the entertainment industry. Throughout his illustrious career, he not only starred in numerous stage productions, including John McKellar’s A Cup of Tea, a Bex and a Good Lie Down, but also made appearances in TV dramas that he penned himself.
However, it’s his time on the iconic BBC show Play School that remains etched in the memories of many. Donald presented the show from 1966 to 1969, sharing the screen with other familiar faces like Trisha Goddard.
Journalist Craig Bennett took to social media to pay tribute, saying: “One of our showbiz greats left us at 12:45am today.”
Craig continued: “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.”, reports the Mirror.
The Australia-based journalist, 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 first found success as a stage actor in Australia before relocating to the UK in the 1960s to further his career. He went on to pen more theatrical works, including the comedic play Caravan, which tells the story of three couples on a disastrous holiday together.
He continued to act, with film credits including Superman Returns and Kenny.
However, a brief battle with cancer forced him to step away from acting and presenting in recent years, and Donald passed away in Australia on Monday. In his final days, he spent time with his cousins, Paula Duncan and Amelia Barrett.
In a social media post, Mr Bennett shared: “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, expressing their sorrow 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.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
