Vale Charles “Bud” Tingwell

Australian film and television icon Charles “Bud” Tingwell passed away this morning aged 86.

Reports the Herald Sun:

Tingwell, one of Australia’s most enduring film favourites with a career lasting more than 60 years, passed away in a Melbourne hospital at 8.30am. His son, Christopher, and daughter, Virginia, who is also an actor, were by his side. Tingwell died from complications with prostate cancer, a spokesperson said.

Many of Bud’s former co-stars and friends have paid tribute to him in the press – here’s what Michael Caton had to say.

Michael Caton, who worked alonside Tingwell on The Castle, described his admiration for a sweet, gentle man with a sturdy core. He told heraldsun.com.au: “When we first met on the Sullies (The Sullivans) when he was director we clashed, but years later I got to know and love him as he was. It hits me most the way he went about life with such grace.”

Even the Prime Minister had something lovely to say about Bud.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd described Tingwell as a “great Australian”.

“Bud Tingwell is in every sense an Australian legend,” Mr Rudd said. “From old generations knowing him through (TV series) Homicide and newer generations knowing him as the battlers’ friend from (the film) The Castle. He is so much a part of the Australian character as it’s been shaped and as it will evolve in the future. A great Australian and all Australians are sad to see his passing.”

Yes, his role on Homicide and his star turn in The Castle will certainly be remembered – but if you’re anything like me, most of all you’ll fondly remember his part in the following series.

What a top bloke.

MORE: Charles Bud Tingwell, veteran actor, dies in Melbourne aged 86