Henri Szeps, celebrated Australian actor and beloved star of Mother and Son, has sadly passed away at the age of 81, following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

His family confirmed the news of his passing on Thursday, July 24, marking two years since the actor had moved into full-time residential care due to his declining health.

“His decline from Alzheimer’s was largely peaceful, and Henri retained his sense of wonder and joie de vivre until the end,” the family said in a statement.

Born in 1943 in a refugee camp in Switzerland to Polish parents fleeing WWII, Szeps had a turbulent early childhood. After spending time in foster care and an orphanage in Europe, he moved to Sydney, Australia, at age eight. His love for acting began in school plays and led him to train at the Ensemble Theatre while studying science and engineering at university.

Szeps became a familiar face on Australian screens with early roles in shows like Homicide and Skippy, before moving to the UK in the 1970s to expand his craft. He worked in theatre alongside British greats like David Warner and Derek Jacobi, and appeared in TV dramas including Colditz and Crown Court.

Returning to Australia, he found widespread fame as Robert Beare, the self-centred son in the iconic ABC sitcom Mother and Son (1984–1994), starring alongside Ruth Cracknell and Garry McDonald. His role earned him national acclaim. He also won a Penguin Award for his performance in Palace of Dreams and portrayed Prime Minister Harold Holt in the 1987 miniseries Vietnam.

Throughout his career, Szeps was a prominent figure on stage, frequently collaborating with playwright David Williamson. He starred in five one-man shows—three of which he wrote himself—and published a book on acting, All in Good Timing (1996).

News of Szeps’ passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, many reflecting on the lasting impression he left on Australian television.

Szeps is survived by his wife, Mary, their two sons, and four grandchildren.