Michala Banas, renowned for her role in “McLeod’s Daughters,” has shared the heartbreaking news of her father’s passing via social media. The actress, aged 46, conveyed her sorrow while paying tribute to her father, John Banas, a respected writer originally from the UK.

John Banas, whose career spanned four decades, was not only a writer but also a director and actor. He commenced his journey in New Zealand before making a significant impact on Australian television. Among his many contributions, he was the creative force behind the popular crime series “City Homicide,” aired on the Seven Network.

In her poignant Instagram post on Tuesday, Michala expressed her grief, revealing that her father had passed away ‘suddenly’ on Monday. Although the cause of death was not disclosed, she shared cherished photographs of John, illustrating the bond they shared.

Michala’s tribute began with the simple yet profound words: “Yesterday, my Dad John died suddenly,” capturing the raw emotion of losing a beloved family member.

‘Yesterday, my Dad John died suddenly,’ she began.

‘I am utterly heartbroken and in complete shock. And even though I’m a grown woman, the kid in me wants the world to stop and know how amazing he was.

McLeod’s Daughters star Michala Banas (pictured) has taken to social media to announce the death of her father, UK-born writer John Banas

 Pictured: Michala included this throwback image of her dad in her touching Instagram tribute

‘F***ing amazing. And so I post these few pics of a beautiful man with his adoring (and often silly) daughter. 

‘Did I say he was amazing? You need to know that. All of you. Love you beyond words Dad.’

Michala included several black-and-white throwback photos of John from his days as a stage actor in Wellington four decades ago.

Another image shows a very young Michala embracing her dad.

The NZ On Screen website shared an obituary of John, whose writing credits include the Australian TV series Blue Heelers, Water Rats, All Saints and Stingers.

Born in Nottingham in the UK, John was raised in NZ.

Beginning his career on stage in Wellington in the 1960s, John began performing in theatre reviews with famed Kiwi comedy superstar John Clarke. He also wrote drama for radio.

The pair later starred in New Zealand’s first-ever sitcom, Buck House, which ran for two seasons between 1974 and 1975.

Beginning his 40-year career as a writer, director, and actor in NZ, John relocated to Australia and went on to create Seven’s long-running crime series City Homicide. Pictured: A throwback image of Banas from his days as an actor. He went on to write 200 hours of TV

Michala is pictured with the cast of McLeod’s Daughters

In the 1980s, he turned to writing and worked on NZ dramas like The Immigrants, Mortimer’s Pitch and In Their Hands and went on to pen more than 200 hours of TV.

Late in the decade, John was one of the creative forces behind Network Ten’s long-running soap E Street (1989-1993).

He also worked as a director, including the children’s series Mirror, Mirror, which starred his daughter Michala.

John returned to working on New Zealand projects 15 years ago with the telemovie Siege in 2012.

Based on a real-life incident which occurred in Napier, NZ, the hard-hitting thriller won several awards, including best screenplay for John, as well as an NZTV award for best telemovie.

John also won acclaim for another telemovie from the same year, Safe House. 

He also worked on the NZ iteration of Australia’s Underbelly series, Underbelly New Zealand: Land of the Long Green Cloud (2011). 

His other recent NZ TV credits include the series Dear Murderer (2017) and A Remarkable Place To Die (2024).

Michala Banas, who was born in Wellington, is best known to Aussie audiences for playing the lead role in Seven’s Always Greener  (2001-2003). In 2004, she joined the cast of Nine’s soap McLeod’s Daughters (2001-2009).