It was one of the most popular Australian shows on TV, but tragedy has stalked the cast of Water Rats over the years.
Two of the most popular actors died far too young and leading man Colin Friels almost lost his life in its third season after a shock cancer diagnosis, casting a long and dark shadow over the drama’s legacy.
The curse hit again just last year when former star Dee Smart, 54, revealed she’s facing her own cancer battle, after doctors found a “very large tumour” in the mum-of-three’s bladder, forcing her to undergo emergency surgery.
Brave Dee says she’s not afraid of death, declaring she’s had “the best life” and has achieved everything she ever wanted to do, including reinventing herself as an accomplished artist.
CANCER SHOCK
The string of tragedies to hit the cast of Water Rats began while it was still in production and on air when Colin, now 68, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late 1997 – the same year he won a TV WEEK Logie Award for Most Outstanding Actor for his role of Detective Frank Holloway.
Denne historien er fra March 1, 2021-utgaven av Woman's Day Australia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 1, 2021-utgaven av Woman's Day Australia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
ANNA SAMSON 'MURDER'S ALWAYS INTRIGUED ME'
We hit the set of the sunny spin-off to Death In Paradise and meet the cast!
5 minutes With...ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH
His No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series has a new instalment
Rolling the DICE
Hobart's iconic Wrest Point Hotel Casino is looking better than ever
UNDERSTANDING PALLIATIVE CARE
Quality of life is at the forefront of this approach
OUR TOWN'S A MOVIE STAR!
When Runt arrived in town, locals couldn't wait to play a part!
ANNA HEINRICH 'I LOVE BEING A GIRL MUM!'
The mum-of-two speaks with affection about her daughters
KEITH TELLS NICOLE I WANT TO BE YOUR NEXT LEADING MAN!'
He's sick of playing second fiddle to a string of hunky co-stars
GUY TAKES A STAND 'I WANT JESS BACK!
The Voice Australia gets an ultimatum from its number-one coach Guy Sebastian
THE BRAD & GEORGE SHOW is back!
Their lovable bromance is stealing the spotlight in Venice!
ED SHEERAN'S SHOCK FAMILY FEUD
He's often seen as one of the nicest guys in music, but Ed Sheeran's cousin has exposed their secret feud - and claimed that Ed has even made legal threats against him!
