Goodbye to an old friend, and a thank you.

Poita (Peter) · #1 13-12-2011, 02:44 AM

I'd like to thank Niko and others that helped me track down some episodes of Twenty Good Years.
My friend, Harold Hopkins died on Saturday night during the lunar eclipse, after a battle with mesothelioma. He was the most decent man I have ever known, and that rarest of the species, a true Gentleman. He wasn't a household name but was a staple of Australian drama, from roles in Age of Consent, The Club, Picture Show Man, Don's Party, Gallipoli and more recently Monkey Grip and many TV series from Matlock, to Skippy, Riptide and of course Barrier Reef. He was under consideration for the role of Gatsby's father in the new Baz Lurmann film, but his illness overtook him faster than anyone expected.
He will be sorely missed by all that knew him, but thanks to everyone that helped me track down his performances, he got to see some of his work that he had never seen, and his family get to view his legacy.
We miss you mate.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #2 13-12-2011, 02:59 AM

Peter, you did a good thing.

The tributes have been flowing. here's just one:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-1...-at-67/3724544

I remember Harolds characters well

May he now Rest in Peace.

mishku · #3 13-12-2011, 08:15 AM

Good on you, Poita, sounds like you managed to pull off a pretty spectacular feat finding those works for your mate.

Sorry to hear of his passing, thinking of his friends and family

niko · #4 13-12-2011, 09:57 AM

Good onya Peter,

He was terrific fun to watch on screen. We've seen too many good actors slip away in the last few years.

Glad I could help in a small way

My best regards to you and his family during this sad time

niko

Terry B · #5 13-12-2011, 04:24 PM

I remembered him well especially from the doll trilogy with STC. he will be missed.

Poita (Peter) · #6 14-12-2011, 09:55 AM

He did such a great job with the Sydney Theatre Company, he was also the fittest, healthiest man I ever knew, his funeral is this Saturday.

Satchmo · #7 14-12-2011, 11:56 AM

So sad. I remember him in the 60's in an ABC series called "Pastures of the Blue Crane" with Jeannie Drynan. I was only 8 or 9 but for some reason a scene at the end of the series between them always stuck in my mind- perhaps it was the first time I remember feeling emotionally moved by pictures from that little black and white box.