Actor Brian Wenzel, famed for his portrayal of Sergeant Frank Gilroy on A Country Practice, has passed away at the age of 94.
Reports indicate that Wenzel died in an Adelaide nursing home on Monday, just weeks shy of his 95th birthday.
The seasoned performer dedicated more than two-thirds of his life to the entertainment industry, starting his professional acting career at the age of 17 after leaving school at 14.
His journey began with a role in a musical comedy in Adelaide, subsequently leading to engagements across stage productions, musicals, pantomime, and children’s theatre. Notable performances include Death of a Salesman, The Crucible, The Imaginary Invalid, and Summer of the 17th Doll.
Saddened to hear the news that actor Brian Wenzel (Sgt Frank Gilroy in "A Country Practice") has passed away today, aged 94. He was a good country cop. 😔 📺 🚔 pic.twitter.com/L3TDBx3LEh
— Peter Murphy (@PeterWMurphy1) May 6, 2024
Wenzel’s illustrious career extended beyond the stage, with notable appearances in four productions for the Adelaide Festival of Arts and involvement in the inaugural three productions of the South Australian Theatre Company.
His television repertoire boasts an extensive list of credits, including roles in Neighbours, Rove Live, Marshall Law, The Evil Touch, Katch Kandy, Behind the Legend, Over There, Punishment, Bellamy, Home Sweet Home, Skyways, Tickled Pink, Certain Women, Glenview High, Cop Shop, The Young Doctors, Chopper Squad, Boney, The Restless Years, Hunter, The Death Train, The Long Arm, Division 4, Matlock Police, Ryan, Ride on Stranger, Young Ramsay, and Homicide.
In 1983, Wenzel’s portrayal of Sgt. Frank Gilroy in A Country Practice earned him the accolade of Best Supporting Actor in a Series, a role he embodied for 12 years.
Vale, Brian Wenzel … the consummate actor, best known for his role as Sgt Frank Gilroy in the much-loved A Country Practice which ran on 📺 from 1981-94. Life was simpler then – no reality TV, just good old-fashioned 🇦🇺drama. He and Shirl (the late Lorrae Desmond) were so good. pic.twitter.com/7uKVgf5TMP
— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) May 6, 2024
Wenzel’s A Country Practice co-star Michael Muntz paid tribute to the late actor on social media, describing him as a “lovely and generous guy” whose friendship he’d “always treasure”.
“So sad to hear of Brian Wenzel’s passing … my best buddy on the A Country Practice set … probably mostly due to our mutual love of AFL and single malt scotch,” he posted.
“Often after a day’s shoot, we’d go back to his place near the 7 studios in Epping and sample some obscure scotch he’d managed to procure. Thanks for the many memories amigo.”
Wenzel, who had been battling dementia, entered nursing care in September 2022, as confirmed by his wife, Linda.
