Australian actor Peter Hardy, who appeared in Neighbours reportedly died on March 16, 2023 while snorkelling at South Beach in Fremantle, Western Australia. He was 66.
The actor played Jimmy Drane in three episodes of Neighbours in 1997, however, was best known for his roles in McLeod’s Daughters, crime drama Chopper and the stage version of Mamma Mia! The Musical.
According to The West Australian, Hardy had travelled to Perth from London to visit his mother after making a home in the UK.
Hardy is then said to have gone snorkelling at Fremantle’s South Beach, sharing an update on social media shortly before his death.
The outlet also reported that Hardy was taken out of the water at roughly 10:40am on Thursday, March 16.
Bystanders are said to have tried to save his life, performing CPR while awaiting the arrival of paramedics.
Tragically, emergency crews were unable to save him and he died on the spot.
Hardy was born and raised in Perth before beginning his acting career in the mid-1980s.
Hardy’s brother Michael shared the news of his death on Facebook, writing: “I’m devastated to say that my brother, Peter Hardy, passed away suddenly this morning”… Rest in Peace my beloved little brother”.
Hardy’s friend Andy Burns also paid tribute to him on Facebook following the news of his demise: “On the morning of March 16 a dear friend was taken from us… the amazing and beautiful Peter Hardy drowned while snorkelling at South Beach Perth”.
“He was 66 years old and looked like a Greek god, so fit and so happy to be back in his native WA visiting from London where he had made his home.”
“Words cannot express how deeply I feel this loss, We’ve been close friends since living together in Neutral Bay Sydney in the mid 80s. He was a superb actor a wonderful singer and guitarist he also played drums and sax. He always loved performing in the theatre as well as film and TV”.
“He decided to buy a canal boat in London which he set up beautifully with some recording gear and he’d send me guitar tracks recorded there to add backings to”.
“Heartfelt condolences to all his family and many friends over this devastating loss especially his beautiful girlfriend Lysa our thoughts are with you,” the post read. “Vale dear friend Peter Hardy RIP.”