Troy Beckwith, who played troubled teen Michael Martin on Neighbours, has died aged just 48 years old.
Taking to social media on Sunday, 28th January, former co-star Kym Valentine, who played Libby Kennedy, confirmed rumours that the actor had passed away.
“It pains me so much to have to say this. Our dear old friend Troy Beckwith has passed away. Another member of our tv family gone way too soon. There will be no funeral as per Troy’s request. Thanks for all the memories my cheeky mate and all my love to your friends and family.”
No cause of death has been revealed.
Beckwith was the second actor to play Michael Martin, son of Philip Martin and stepson of Julie Martin (formerly Robinson) and arrived on Ramsay Street in 1992. He remained as a regular character until 1994 but made a number of guest appearances, last being seen on the show in 1998.
Michael was characterised as troublesome and spent time in a youth detention centre. He caused many issues in his father’s marriage to Julie and one of his most memorable storylines was his unsuccessful plot to kill his stepmother.
Before his Neighbours role, Troy appeared as Bazza in the kids series Pugwall as well as playing Michael Mellop in The Miraculous Mellops. After Neighbours Troy made a number of guest appearances including 2 different roles in Police drama, Blue Heelers.
With his last screen role in 1999, Beckwith had stayed out of the limelight, but made news headlines in 2017 when he went missing for over 2 weeks, concerning his friends and family members.
As well as former cast members, many Neighbours fans have taken to social media to share their memories of Troy on the show and sharing their condolences.