Henri Szeps, a famous Australian actor, passed away at the age of 81 after a long and brave fight with health problems, including Alzheimer’s disease. Szeps was known for playing Robert Beare in the popular ABC comedy Mother and Son. He captivated audiences for almost 40 years, leaving his mark on both Australian television and theatre. People who looked up to him will never forget him as an actor, husband, and father.
Famous Role in Mother and Son
Henri Szeps became famous for his role in Mother and Son, which ran from 1984 to 1994. Szeps starred with Ruth Cracknell and Garry McDonald as Robert Beare, a charming but somewhat immoral dentist. The comedy show became one of the most popular on Australian TV, and Szeps’ performance made him a national treasure. The show was on for ten years and won awards. It had a big effect on Australian television.
Theatre career and fame around the world
Henri Szeps had a big impact on the theatre world before he became a TV star. Szeps showed off his talent early on through studying The Method at Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre. His performance in the 1968 production of The Boys in the Band got a lot of praise from critics and was a turning point in his career. He met his future wife, actress Mary Ann Severne, during this time.
Szeps moved to London in his twenties, where he starred in I, Claudius and toured with the Prospect Theatre Company. He worked with David Warner and Derek Jacobi. His career took off around the entire globe, but he always came back to Australia, where he would become a well-known figure in the theatre scene.
Famous TV Roles
Henri Szeps didn’t just work on one show. He was also in a number of popular Australian TV dramas, such as Number 96, A Country Practice, GP, and All Saints. He also made an identity for himself in Vietnam, where he played Prime Minister Harold Holt next to a young Nicole Kidman. This part in the war drama not only got Kidman praise, but it also helped her start her career around the world.
Performances on Stage
Henri Szeps was a talented actor on stage, even in his early works. He played famous characters like Gandalf in the stage version of The Hobbit, Sigmund Freud in the award-winning Freud’s Last Session, and won a Helpmann Award for his role in Cabaret, where he starred with Tina Arena and Toby Allen.
Autobiography and One-Man Shows
Szeps’ later years in the business were marked by his one-man shows, which sold out. In these shows, he wrote and performed a number of semi-autobiographical plays. His songs “I’m Not a Dentist” and “Wish I’d Said That” were very popular on national tours. One Life, Two Journeys is a book that tells the story of his life and career as an actor via his experiences and humour. Henri also wrote All In Good Timing, a book about the art of comic timing that showed how much he loved performing.
Acting Retirement and Getting Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
Szeps stopped acting at the age of 70 after his last show, David Williamson’s Cruise Control. He said he was leaving the stage because of problems with his memory, which ended a long and successful career. Szeps said in 2021 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2023, he was living in a care home.
Awards and Recognition
People noticed Henri Szeps’ amazing work in Australian theatre and television. He got the Order of Australia Medal in 2001 for all the great things he had done in his career. He won many acting awards and was respected by both his peers and the public for his work on stage and screen.
Family and Heritage
Szeps has a family that loves him. When he died, his wife, Mary Ann Severne, was with him. They have two sons: Amos, who is a psychologist and master coach, and Josh, who is a journalist and broadcaster. The actor also leaves behind four grandchildren who will carry on his work.
His Sons’ Tributes
Henri’s sons have given their father moving tributes. Josh Szeps talked about how much his father cherished life. He said, “I can’t imagine a father with more passion, zest for life, curiosity, and fierce good humour.” Amos Szeps thought about how wise his father was and remembered the saying he used to say: “Life’s a gift, but only if you receive it.” His sons think about how much their father loved life and how happy he was all the time, even though Alzheimer’s made things hard.
A Last Goodbye
The death of Henri Szeps ends a chapter in Australian entertainment history. People will remember him for his unforgettable roles on stage and screen, his amazing contributions to the arts, and the way he could charm and entertain people with his wit and charm. His legacy will continue inspiring actors, performers, and theatre lovers for years to come.
Details about the funeral
As of this writing, the details of Henri Szeps’s funeral have not yet been made public. His family has asked for privacy during this hard time.
