Brian Wenzel, an Australian actor best known for playing Frank Gilroy in the TV series A Country Practice, died on Monday at the age of 94.
According to Craig Bennett, who is a veteran journalist, the actor passed away at a nursing facility.
Bennett said that his wife Linda confirmed that the actor died.
His agent Jennifer Hennessy confirmed the actor’s death. He was known for his work in various Australian movies and television shows. His work was regarded as some of the best in the country.
Brian Wenzel was described as a passionate family man and a devoted Carlton supporter. His fans paid tribute to the actor on Monday by remembering him on Facebook. One of his fans noted that he made Frank Gilroy one of the most prominent characters in Australian television.
The role of Frank Gilroy, which he played in the long-running TV series A Country Practice, was a permanent one for Wenzel. He won an award for his performance in the show in 1981.
Besides A Country Practice, Wenzel also appeared in other films such as The Off Angry Shot and Alison’s Birthday.
In 2014, he came back to the big screen after a long time to appear in the crime movie, John Doe: Vigilantes. In 2021, he said goodbye to his A Country Practice colleague Lorrae Desmond, who passed away due to a short illness.
In the following year, the actor revealed that he suffered two mini strokes that severely affected his mobility.
In 2021, he revealed that he had to sell his car due to his declining health. He said that he was unable to work anymore and that he was forced to use a walking frame. He also noted that he was unable to sing anymore due to his condition. He and his wife Linda were married in 1957.