Jack Thompson, Australian screen legend, honoured as he battles kidney disease
The 86-year-old actor is receiving heartfelt tributes while managing kidney disease that requires dialysis every three days.
Australian screen icon Jack Thompson, 86, has been honoured for his six-decade career with emotional messages from Hollywood stars as he battles serious health issues. Russell Crowe and Sean Penn were among those paying tribute to the man credited with helping build the Australian film industry.
Crowe, who first worked with Thompson in 1970 at age six, called him a huge influence and "my mate". Thompson has appeared in more than 100 films and television shows.
Behind the celebrations lies a tough reality: he is now hooked up to dialysis every three days for kidney failure. His nephrologist told his wife the choice was "a dialysed Jack or a dead Jack".
Despite this, Thompson says he is "living on borrowed time" and remains keen to keep working. "I love life.
It's the only thing I know," he said.
- 86
- Thompson's age
- Six decades
- Screen career
- More than 100
- Films and television shows
- Every three days
- Dialysis frequency
Why it mattersThompson's willingness to speak openly about his health battle at 86 normalises how aging actors navigate serious illness while staying engaged.
AustraliaAustralians who grew up watching Jack Thompson on screen now see him as a symbol of resilience, keeping him part of the cultural conversation even through his health struggles.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
