Australian Actor Henri Szeps Dies at 81

Henri Szeps, the acclaimed Australian actor best known for his role as Robert Beare in the original ABC sitcom 'Mother and Son' (1984–1994), has died at age 81 after battling Alzheimer's disease. Born in a Swiss refugee camp to Polish Holocaust survivors, Szeps migrated to Australia at eight and went on to have an illustrious career in television and theatre, with notable roles in 'Number 96', 'A Country Practice', 'All Saints', and the mini-series 'Vietnam' alongside Nicole Kidman. He was celebrated for his versatility and passion, earning numerous awards, including the Order of Australia Medal in 2001. Szeps publicly disclosed his Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2021 and had lived in a care facility since 2023, with his decline described as peaceful and marked by his enduring joie de vivre. He retired at age 70 and is survived by his wife Mary Ann, two sons, and four grandchildren. Szeps leaves a legacy cherished by both the public and his peers.