The Home and Away cast and crew are mourning the loss of a beloved colleague, Bruce Murray, who tragically passed away following a courageous two-year battle with cancer. The heartbreaking news has sent ripples through the Australian television industry, with tributes pouring in from cast members and fans alike.

Bruce Murray, a veteran crew member known for his vibrant energy and commitment behind the scenes, had worked in the Australian TV and film industry for over two decades. In 2023, a GoFundMe was launched in his name by the Home and Away team, revealing that Murray had been diagnosed with stage four oesophageal cancer. By the time it was discovered, the aggressive disease had already spread to his bloodstream and metastasized, forming numerous cancerous growths on his bones — including his spine, ribs, and hips.

Despite the grim prognosis, Murray tackled the illness with remarkable strength and resilience. He underwent radiation therapy in critical areas of his body and later began chemotherapy and immunotherapy to try to combat the cancer’s rapid progression. Those who knew him said he never lost his sense of humor or passion for life, even in the face of overwhelming pain.

One of his closest friends on the Home and Away set, Queensland-born actress Emily Weir — best known for her role as Mackenzie Booth — paid a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram story. She shared a touching video of Bruce, filled with warmth and laughter, captioned simply, “Love you Brucey, you beautiful thing.”

Former castmate Sarah Roberts, who played Willow Harris on the show, also took to social media to remember Bruce. Sharing several candid throwback photos of him smiling and enjoying life on and off set, Roberts wrote, “What a man! Never a dull moment on the set or on the dance floor.”

She went on to express just how much of an impact Bruce had on her daily life while filming: “One of the reasons I loved going to work. . . couldn’t stop giggling at his jokes and his dance moves. I’ll miss you Brucey!”

Murray was not just a colleague — he was a friend, a mentor, and a source of positivity who helped make long days on set feel a little lighter. As a key grip — a vital but often under-recognized role in film production — he worked behind the scenes across several Channel 7 and Channel 10 productions, ensuring the technical aspects of camera movement and support were handled flawlessly. Those who worked with him praised not only his skill but also his unfailing dedication and bright personality.

The GoFundMe campaign, set up to support Murray and his family during his treatment, successfully raised over $51,622 from 272 donations. It was a testament to just how many lives he touched — not just within the entertainment industry, but among friends, family, and fans who wanted to show their support for a man many described as the “heartbeat” of the set.

Bruce Murray kept much of his struggle private, quietly enduring the pain while continuing to show up for work and uplift those around him. His death has not only left a gap in the Home and Away family but also reminded many of the often unseen battles fought by those behind the camera.

The news of his passing has also sparked a broader conversation about the importance of supporting crew members, the unsung heroes of television and film. While actors are the faces audiences recognize, it’s people like Bruce — with their dedication, expertise, and love for the craft — who truly keep productions running smoothly.

As tributes continue to flow in, the Home and Away team has expressed their deep gratitude to everyone who donated, shared words of kindness, or simply took a moment to remember Bruce Murray. His legacy will live on not only in the memories of his coworkers but in every scene, every episode, and every laugh he helped create behind the scenes.

He may have fought his battle quietly, but the outpouring of love following his death speaks volumes. Rest in peace, Brucey — your presence will be dearly missed but never forgotten.