Author John Marsden has died at age 74, and Lincoln Lewis, who starred in the writer’s Tomorrow Series movie adaptation, has paid tribute to the Australian icon.
John’s death was confirmed by The Candlebark and Alice Miller Schools, which he founded, on Wednesday, December 19.
“John Marsden transformed countless young lives through both his writing and his groundbreaking approach to education,” the school said in a statement.
“As one of Australia’s most beloved and successful authors, he sold more than 5 million books and was translated into 15 languages.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute to John, saying his work would “live long in the national memory”.
“Vivid, funny, quintessentially Australian, he wrote with a real love for our land and a true sense of our people’s character,” he added.
“His was a great Australian voice that spoke to all ages, here and around the world.”
John wrote Tomorrow, When the War Began in 1993, the first book of the Tomorrow series. It went on to spawn seven books, and then he wrote a follow-up trilogy, The Ellie Chronicles.
The original title was made into a feature film, which starred Lincoln (Home and Away), Phoebe Tonkin (Boy Swallows Universe), and Caitlin Stasey (Neighbours).
Throughout his career as a writer, John published more than 40 books.
Lincoln Lewis reacts to John Marsden’s death
Lincoln, who played Kevin Holmes in the Tomorrow, When the War Began movie, took to Instagram to pay his respects to the Australian author.
“Saddened to hear of the passing of legendary Australian author John Marsden – writer of the Tomorrow When The War Began book series,” the actor began.
“I remember John came for a set visit while we were filming in Fox Studios towards the end of production. Very few times in my life have I been as star struck as when I shook his hand. Lost count how many times I told him that his books were the only thing I willingly read in high school,” Lincoln added.
“He was so polite, so graceful and just genuinely happy to be there. Seeing his eyes and smile beaming after watching our scenes being filmed – getting to see his books brought to life is something I’ll never forget, both as an actor & a fan of the books.”
Stream Tomorrow, When The War Began on Stan.
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