Australian TV legend Paul Cronin has died, aged 81 

Australian TV legend Paul Cronin dies aged 81

  • Australian actor Paul Cronin died a the age of 81 surrounded by his family
  • His four daughters and grandchildren were by his side when he died Friday night
  • Cronin was best known for his iconic TV roles in Matlock Police and The Sullivans

Australian actor Paul Cronin, best known for his roles in The Sullivans and Matlock Police, has died at the age of 81.

The TV legend died surrounded by his four daughters and grandchildren on Friday night.

At the peak of his career, he was best known for playing motorcycle policeman Gary Hogan in Matlock Police and then went on to play Dave Sullivan in popular soap opera The Sullivans.

Australian actor Paul Cronin (pictured in 2010 with Lorraine Bayly), best known for his roles in The Sullivans and Matlock Police, has died at the age of 81

According to the Herald Sun, daughters Katherine, Jane, Susanne and Julie were by his side for his final moments.

‘He was the most wonderful father, he was protective, he would have done everything for his girls. We loved him so much, he adored mum so much,’ Susanne said.

Susanne said her father was devastated by his wife, Helen’s passing in 2013 and still ‘called her his bride’. 

Cronin won the Silver Logie five times, including three years consecutively from 1978 for his role in The Sullivans.

He was also endearingly crowned the King of Moomba – a community festival in Melbourne – in 1980.

Cronin was a big supporter of the AFL and took it upon himself to establish the Brisbane Bears team in 1986.’

He then went on to be the president of the club from 1987 to 1989. 

In the early 1980s his face graced screens again in a series of drink driving ads where he asked: Would you let a friend drive home if he’s had too much to drink?’   

At the peak of his career, he was best known for playing motorcycle policeman Gary Hogan in Matlock Police and then went on to play Dave Sullivan in popular soap opera The Sullivans (pictured second from the left in The Sullivans)

At the peak of his career, he was best known for playing motorcycle policeman Gary Hogan in Matlock Police and then went on to play Dave Sullivan in popular soap opera The Sullivans (pictured second from the left in The Sullivans)

Cronin was born in South Australia and decided to take after his father and become a farmer after he left school.

While he was a state runner and champion gymnast he also learned to shear sheep.

After giving up farming in South Australia, he picked up and went to Melbourne where he worked as a semi-trailer driver and draftsman.

He then decided to try his luck at acting and became a bit actor on various Crawford Productions.

‘The story goes he was watching TV one night with mum and he said “I reckon I could do that”, and she said, “why don’t you?”. He got a walk on role in one of the Crawford Productions and then he got Matlock and the rest is history,’ Susanne said. 

‘He was determined to follow through on anything he set his mind to. He wanted to start a football team and he did it with the Brisbane Bears.’ 

Susanne said her father will be remembered as a devoted man and his family are proud of everything he has achieved.

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