RIP Gerard Kennedy

 

Australian actor GERARD KENNEDY passes away at 93

TV Blackbox

By Kyle Laidlaw

April 24, 2025

 

Gerard Kennedy, one of Australia’s most esteemed television actors, has passed away at the age of 93.

Born on 8 March 1932 in Perth, Western Australia, Kennedy was the son of Australian actor and writer Phyllis Ophel. His career spanned more than five decades and left a lasting mark on the local screen industry.

Kennedy first came to national prominence in the 1960s as espionage agent Kragg in the spy drama Hunter. His performance quickly earned him lead status on the show, setting the stage for his most iconic role as Detective Frank Banner in Division 4. His work on that series won him back-to-back Gold Logies for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television.

Across a prolific television career, Kennedy appeared in numerous beloved series, including Homicide, The Flying Doctors, A Country Practice, Blue Heelers, and Neighbours. He will also be fondly remembered by Prisoner fans for his menacing turn as terrorist Al during the memorable “Wentworth Siege” episodes.

In his later years, Kennedy continued to make his mark with memorable appearances in Wolf Creek 2, Fat Tony & Co, and the award-winning supernatural drama Glitch.

With a commanding screen presence and unmatched versatility, Kennedy was a fixture of Australian drama, revered by audiences and peers alike. His contribution to Australian storytelling endures, marking him as one of the greats of our television history.

KENNEDY, Gerard

Born: 3/8/1932, Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Died: 4/21/2025, Gosford, New South Wales, Australia

 

Gerard Kennedy’s westerns – actor:

Rush (TV) – 1974 (Jim Dawson)

Cash and Company (TV) – 1975 (Ryler)

Tundarra (TV) – 1976 (Ryler)

Raw Deal – 1977 (Palmer)

The Trial of Ned Kelly (TV) – 1977 (Smyth)

Against the Wind (TV) – 1978 (Dinny O’Byrne)

The Last Outlaw (TV) – 1980 (Harry Power)

Five Mile Creek (TV) – 1984 (Mr. O’Bannion)