In June 1985, Australia nearly faced a shortage of Kleenex when the whole country teared up following the heartbreaking passing of a much-loved figure.
A Country Practice
character, Molly Jones.
Indeed, this upcoming week commemorates exactly 40 years since Molly, portrayed by
actress Anne Tenney
, took her final breath and fell victim to leukemia. The significant anniversary will undoubtedly be a surprise for many.
A Country Practice
followers, for whom Molly’s demise remains as vivid as if it happened just yesterday.
On June 4th and June 5th, Molly met her end across two evenings on Channel Seven. These episodes attracted approximately 2.2 million viewers. Even four decades later, her departure remains crowned as the most heartbreaking demise in the annals of Australian TV history.
What was the cause of death for Molly on “A Country Practice”?
Hardly anyone who witnessed Molly’s last moments would be able to erase that heartbreaking spectacle from their memory.
‘Mad Molly,’ a nickname bestowed upon her by the residents of Wandin Valley, floated away on a sofa in a field with her husband, Brenda, and their young daughter Chloe (played by Anne’s now).
real-life partner, Shane Withington
, and young actress Emily Nicol) were flying kites nearby.
Gathering all her remaining energy from her exhausted frame, Molly lifts her arm to signal to her husband and daughter.
The view then shifts to Molly’s point of view as she observes them playing together. Gradually, the screen darkens until it becomes pitch-black, symbolizing her final blink. When Brendan spins around and grasps the situation, he dashes toward his spouse, shouting ‘Molllyyy!!’. Get ready for some emotional tears!
What was the reason behind the decision made by the producers of “A Country Practise” to remove Molly from the show?
Molly was one of
A Country Practice
’s original characters
, having been involved with the soap opera since it started in 1981.
As soon as she appeared on screen, Molly (and Anne!) became a beloved favorite amongst viewers. Consequently, when the actress decided to exit the soap opera midway,
through Season 5
After approximately four and a half years — to avoid being “pigeonholed” — her departure was always meant to be a significant plot point.
For Molly’s departure, the show’s writers drew inspiration from the 1983 movie.
Terms of Endearment
, where Debra Winger’s character Emma was diagnosed with and eventually succumbed to cancer.
Molly’s narrative unfolded across 10 weeks, beginning with physicians informing her about the leukemia diagnosis and concluding with her demise. Despite knowing what would happen, it still came as a surprise when she ultimately passed away.
In the days preceding the episode broadcasts, extensive advertisements appeared in newspapers with the message, “Thank you very much, Molly.” Anne later confessed that she departed from the nation during this period to escape the overwhelming response.
To honor Molly’s memory, we’ve put together a list of the most heartbreaking TV character deaths from Australian television shows below.
The Most Heartbreaking Australian Television Deaths Ever
Maggie Doyle,
Blue Heelers
When Lisa McCune’s beloved character was fatally shot by her sibling, Mick, in February 2000, the country was stunned.
Lou Jackson,
Love My Way
In 2008, an episode featured eight-year-old Lou (played by Alex Cook), who passes away unexpectedly. This event deeply devastated her mother, Frankie (portrayed by Claudia Karvan). Claudia’s acting in this episode garnered well-deserved acclaim.
Claire McLeod,
McLeod’s Daughters
In 2003, Claire (Lisa Chappell), in an act of self-sacrifice, saved both her sister Tess (Bridie Carter) and baby Charlotte when their utility vehicle plunged off a cliff. Adding to the emotional impact was the revelation that Alex (Aaron Jeffrey) had planned to propose to Claire later that same day.
Patrick Reid,
Offspring
Patrick (Matthew Le Nevez) got struck by a vehicle while heading to his partner Nina’s (Asher Keddie) baby shower. They hurriedly took him to the hospital, but unfortunately, they couldn’t save him. Sniffle!
Grace Sullivan,
The Sullivans
The cherished grandmother from the Melbourne clan passed away due to an air raid explosion in London during a visit to see her wounded son John (played by Andrew McFarlane). Following Grace’s departure (portrayed by Lorraine Bayly) in 1979 as the series moved back to World War II-era storylines, viewership dropped off significantly.
The Sullivans
ended in 1982.
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Four decades ago this week, when A Country Practice’s Molly passed away, it left viewers heartbroken forever.
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