'Thank you for the laughs, hugs and words of wisdom': Hugh Sheridan and Jason Donovan lead tributes to late Neighbours actor Bob Hornery as he is laid to rest
The Melbourne Theatre Company on Sunday paid tribute to the life of Australian actor Bob Hornery, who passed away aged 83 on Tuesday.
A funeral service was held at the Southbank Theatre in Melbourne and commemorated the thespian's six decade long career and contributions to the entertainment industry.
Geoffrey Rush, Jason Donovan and Hugh Sheridan have been among the celebrities to add their own tributes to the star who famously portrayed Tom Kennedy in long-running soap Neighbours.
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Rest in peace: Australian actor Bob Hornery has been farewelled at a memorial service at the Melbourne Theatre Company's Southbank Theatre on Sunday
'Today we said goodbye to the Great Grandfather of Australian Theatre,' Packed To The Rafters actor Sheridan wrote on social media after the service.
'Not all of you would know that Bob Hornery was one of the most treasured actors to grace our stages, leaving behind an amazing body of work in our memories.
'Thank you Bob for the laughs, the hugs and all the words of wisdom. Thank you for your care, your kind heart and for teaching us by example how to be a gentleman. Most of all thank you for your precious time.'
Sad loss: The actor, who starred as Tom Kennedy in long-running soap Neighbours (pictured), passed away on Tuesday aged 83
His words were seconded by his former co-star Rebecca Gibney who said in response: 'Beautifully said honey'.
Just the day before Jason Donovan penned his own commemoration on Twitter, writing: 'Goodbye to the very dear Bob Hornery.
'You'll be sadly missed mate A wonderful actor a wonderful man. He made us laugh and cry. Peace at last.'
'Goodbye': The entertainment community have responded to the news of his passing by posting tributes on social media
'Immensely saddened': Neighbours co-star Alan Fletcher, who plays Dr Karl Kennedy, described Hornery as a 'glorious actor'
While Geoffrey Rush has described the Melbourne Theatre Company regular as 'unstoppable'.
'He was such a humble and astonishing spirit, such an embodiment of company spirit,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
'He could fluently ad lib in iambic pentameter. He was unstoppable'.
Illustrious career: Hornery appeared in a host of Melbourne Theatre Company productions including The Importance Of Being Earnest alongside Geoffrey Rush
Hornery joined the theatre company in 1961 and brought light and laughter to a host of successful productions including Sweeney Todd, Great Expectations, Scarlett O'Hara at the Crimson Parrot, The Comedy Of Errors and most recently, The Importance Of Being Earnest.
His on-screen persona was just as illustrious, having starred in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, appeared as Hec O'Farrell in Blue Healers, and featured alongside Mick Molloy in Australian film Crackerjack.
While his accolades include an Equity Lifetime Achievement award and a Helpmann award.
TV and film talent: His career spanned an impressive six decades and included on-screen appearances on Blue Heelers and Mad Max
The much-loved actor died just two days before what would have been his 84th birthday following a long illness.
He is survived by his daughter Jane.
On their website, the Melbourne Theatre Company say Hornery will be 'sorely missed.
'Bob Hornery will always hold a special place in the Company's history and in the memories of everyone who knew and loved him,' wrote Executive Director Virginia Lovett.
'He was very much a part of the MTC family and his presence on our stages will be sorely missed. Our hearts go out to his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.'
'Thank you for the laughs': Packed To The Rafters star Hugh Sheridan posted a length tribute on Instagram
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