Mark Priestley found dead at 32

Thu, 28 Aug 2008, 10:08 pm

Several media outlets are reporting that Perth actor Mark Priestley has been found dead in Sydney:

http://www.smh.com.au/news/people/all-saints-star-found-dead/2008/08/28/1219516617997.html

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=94782

I'd occasionally caught some of Mark's screen performances but my fondest memories were of an exceptionally bright young man, only a year out of school, turning up to audition for A Midsummer Night's Dream in 1994 - the first of what is now a fourteen year run of performances in the New Fortune Theatre at UWA. While Mark's audition blew me away, I struggled to place such a young actor in the company but was thrilled when he accepted the offer of a role as puppeteer. He undertook this role with enthusiasm and relish and will be fondly remembered by all involved. I remember catching up with Mark when he was back in Perth before he graduated from NIDA in 1999 a career full of highlights ahead of him but as much fun as always.

Sympathies to Mark's family and loved ones.

Regards
Grant

Thread (9 posts)

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Grant MalcolmThu, 28 Aug 2008, 10:08 pm

Several media outlets are reporting that Perth actor Mark Priestley has been found dead in Sydney:

http://www.smh.com.au/news/people/all-saints-star-found-dead/2008/08/28/1219516617997.html

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=94782

Sympathies to Mark's family and loved ones.

Regards
Grant

Zola VodThu, 28 Aug 2008, 11:01 pm

This news was very

This news was very upsetting. A great actor, and a very talented man. My condolences also, go out to marks family loved ones and friends. I would also like to take this oppertunity to remind everyone in the arts, to look after youselves and the people around you. Watch out for each other friends.

LabrugFri, 29 Aug 2008, 08:53 am

Another Sad Perth Loss

What more is there to say. A talented performer, a wonderful person.

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Jeff Watkins

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Walter PlingeFri, 29 Aug 2008, 10:21 am

A lot of us hide our

A lot of us hide our depression beyond various masks. We might give a facade on the outside but our souls are destroyed on the inside.

Zola VodFri, 29 Aug 2008, 03:04 pm

Amen.

I know what you mean.

Walter PlingeFri, 29 Aug 2008, 03:54 pm

Reading between the lines,

Reading between the lines, Damian's message might actually be a cry for help.

kerriFri, 29 Aug 2008, 08:49 pm

reading between the lines

Mark booked into a hotel under the name of Damien Barker.

Walter PlingeMon, 1 Sept 2008, 12:12 pm

In memory of a good man

It would be an even greater tragedy for Mark to be remembered for the tragic circumstances of his death, rather than the wonderful talented man that he was in life. I will always wonder why, and ask myself if I could have said or done anything to help him, but I will never forget the way in which he touched my life, and the lives of so many.

Walter PlingeWed, 3 Sept 2008, 05:32 pm

why did mark use the name

why did mark use the name damian barker ? is there any special significance ? I heard he may have attempted suicide before.Is that true ? still just trying to work out why he chose such a drastic method. it is so sad, so painful to think of the pain he must have been feeling. did he die instantly ? the physical pain after jumping must have been excrutiating. he seemed to be so loved.it is just so tragic. will they release the coroners report ? i.e. so we can try to make sense and understand this horrific tragedy and therefore begin to understand others and prevent even more tragedies like this one.

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