Home and Away star Dieter Brummer has died aged 45.
The actor, who played Shane Parrish on the series, was found dead on Saturday afternoon in Glenhgaven, northwest Sydney.
Police confirmed his death is not being treated as suspicious.
He became a household name in the 90s thanks to the Australian drama, but the star felt like it stopped him from furthering his career.
"You get typecast," he said in a candid interview with TV Week in 2014. "It’s hard for producers or casting agents not to remember. I’m still ‘that bloke from Home and Away ’ 20 years later.
"Sometimes you sit back and think, ‘I wonder what it would’ve been like if I didn’t get that job at 15?’"
Dieter was only a teenager when he joined the show and left when he turned 20.
Along with Melissa George’s character Angel Brooks, he became one half of Australia’s favourite couple.
There were rumours of a falling out between the co-stars, with him confirming that the chemistry on-screen wasn't real.
Melissa also discussed their relationship, explaining in the 2018 special, Home and Away: Endless Summer: "There was a lot of pressure on us.
"We had to look like the perfect darling couple in public."
When asked what they were like in real life, Dieter added: "It wasn’t like anything off-screen. It was all on screen."
The actor went on to land roles in shows such as Rescue Special Ops, Winners and Losers and Underbelly, and famously made a soap crossover in 2011 when he landed a part in Home and Away's rival show Neighbours.
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His family confirmed the devastating news of his death in a Facebook post.
They wrote: "On behalf of my family, We post this today with a heavy heart."
“We lost our handsome, talented, funny, complicated and beloved Dieter on Saturday morning.
"He has left a massive hole in our lives and our World will never be the same. Our thoughts go out to all of you who knew him, loved him, or worked with him over the years."
The statement continued: "We appreciate you respecting our privacy at this terrible time.
"Should you, or anyone you know be affected by this, or indeed are feeling pain at this time, there are good people that you can talk to. Please pick up the phone – Lifeline 13 11 14."
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
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