BBC Play School presenter Donald Macdonald has died at the age of 86.
The Australian-born TV personality was best known for being one of the original hosts of the iconic BBC children’s programme Play School, appearing from 1966 to 1969 alongside presenters including Trisha Goddard.
His career spanned decades across stage and screen, earning him a lasting place in the hearts of audiences.
He was widely respected in the arts community, earning an A.O. (Officer of the Order of Australia) in 1991 for his work as General Manager of the Australian Opera, and later an A.C. (Companion of the Order of Australia) in 2006 for his contribution to national life and creative industries, including public broadcasting.
Macdonald’s death was confirmed by entertainment journalist and close friend Craig Bennett, who revealed that the veteran entertainer died after a brief battle with an undisclosed form of cancer.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Bennett penned: “One of our showbiz greats left us at 12.45am today.”
He shared a series of images of McDonald, adding: “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 also reflected on Macdonald’s varied television career: “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.”
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He fondly recalled Macdonald’s final days in hospital: “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.”
Tributes from friends, fans, and former colleagues have since poured in.
One mourner wrote: “I have fond memories of times spent with him. He was such a kind man and was always great fun.”
Actress Antonia Murphy added: “A very good man… was honoured to be part of the first national tour of Caravan. Some wonderful memories. Sending love to you all.”
Another shared: “He was great indeed. I worked with him several times at Crawfords. He was always open with his vast experience and knowledge. I was fortunate. Fly high Donald. My condolences to his family and many friends.”
A coworker added: “Honoured to have appeared in two of his plays. The consummate gentleman. And, no one played a High Court Judge like Donald. RIP. XX”
Another friend penned: “He was great indeed .I worked with him several times at Crawfords. He was always open with his vast experience and knowledge . I was fortunate. Fly high Donald . My condolences to his family and many friends.”
