Australia’s entertainment industry has lost a titan, with stars of long-running soap Home and Away mourning their cherished co-worker.
Bruce Murray, who worked as a key grip behind-the-scenes, has died just over a year after going public with his diagnosis.
“What a man, never a dull moment on the set or on the dance floor,” Sarah Roberts, who played Willow Harris on the show before leaving in 2021, wrote on social media.
Roberts’ tribute, shared to her Instagram Story on Monday, continued: “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!”
Fellow Home and Away star Emily Weir, who has played Mackenzie Booth since 2019, also took to her Instagram Story to pay tribute.
“Love you Brucey, you beautiful thing,” Weir wrote alongside a video of Murray joking around with her on set.
Murray’s diagnosis with stage four oesophageal cancer was made public in October 2023, when his loved ones launched a GoFundMe page to help raise money for his family as he underwent treatment.
“Recently our beloved, good friend, Bruce Murray was diagnosed with Stage 4 Oesophageal Cancer which has unfortunately gone into his blood stream and formed multiple cancers on his bones – ribs, spine, collar bone, sacrum, and hips,” the GoFundMe page’s message read.
Oesophageal cancer is a form of cancer that runs throughout the oesophagus, which is the food tube that runs from the throat to the stomach.
Symptoms can include unintentional weight loss, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, coughing or hoarseness, worsening indigestion and chest pain.
Treatment can include chemotherapy or radiation therapy, but most often focuses on removing the cancer through surgery.
“Bruce will be starting Radiation Therapy on the 3 most urgent bone areas – spine, ribs and hips and soon be starting a combo of Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy,” the GoFundMe message continued. “It’s going to be a long journey but we are positive and know our cherished Brucey is a strong one.”
Murray’s final post on social media is one that he shared to mark his first day of chemotherapy and immunology therapy after undergoing “radiation to the bones” the week prior.
“I am posting this picture as a way saying thank you all for the support that you have given me thru a crazy overwhelming Go Fund Me and messages and offers of support,” he wrote on Instagram in November 2023 alongside a photo of him hooked up to an IV with his thumbs up.
“If a support base counts to fight this disease then I am one super force to be reckoned with. I will give it my all.”
“Since diagnosis it’s been a ride of topsy-turvey emotions, but I have felt the love so much from you all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I got this!! 💪💪💪.”
Murray had worked as a grip, key grip and jib operator for more than 20 years, with All Saints, Above the Law, Good News Week and Breakers among his credits.
He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Shelley Murray – who is a costume designer and head of the Home and Away wardrobe department – and their two children.
This article does not replace specific medical advice from seeing a medical professional. If you have questions about your body specifically, seek advice from your doctor.