Monty Maizels, the beloved actor best known for his memorable role in iconic Australian film The Castle, has died aged 102.
The veteran performer and broadcaster died in Melbourne on March 31, with a celebration of his life held on April 14.
Maizels played elderly neighbour Jack in the 1997 cult classic The Castle, delivering one of the film’s most unforgettable lines during the Kerrigan family’s battle to save their home.
His son, John, announced the news in a heartfelt tribute published on Radioinfo.com, describing his father as a man whose influence stretched across acting, radio, music and media.
“He was 102 3/4, a fact of which he was exceptionally proud, and he had no intention of allowing his age to get in the way of enjoying life,” John wrote.
“While Monty always displayed exceptionally broad interests and capabilities, nobody ever doubted that his first love, and key skill, was language and words. He had three major loves in his life: music, words, and Frances – his wife of over 60 years.”
Working Dog, the production company behind The Castle, also paid tribute to the late star in a touching Facebook post.
“Farewell to the iconic Monty Maizels, who has passed away at the age of 102 and 3/4 years of age.
“We know him best from our time making The Castle, where he played ‘Jack’, but he was a broadcaster, a producer, composer, writer, actor, and so much more… Sending our love to Monty’s family and friends.”
In the much-loved film, Maizels portrayed Jack, the gentle elderly neighbour living next door to Darryl Kerrigan, played by Michael Caton.
But during the family’s emotional fight against developers attempting to force them from their home, Jack stunned viewers with his blunt declaration: “Yeah, f*** ’em!”
The line went on to become one of the film’s most quoted moments.
Made on a famously modest budget, The Castle became a runaway success, earning more than $11 million at the Australian box office and cementing itself as one of the nation’s most beloved films.
The movie remains widely celebrated for capturing the spirit of the Aussie battler and quintessential larrikin humour.
Fans flooded social media with tributes following news of Maizels’ death.
“RIP Monty. My favourite person from The Castle. We often quote his simple but cathartic line,” one fan wrote.
“I loved Jack. He’s where we saw Darryl’s heart and soul!” another said.
A third added: “I love every scene in this movie. But the ones with Monty were extra special.”
“Ohhh jack…always felt for his character..made me always think of my late dad/his dad same era of age,” another user wrote.
“What a great innings. A true legend RIP,” another commented.
Away from the screen, Maizels built an extraordinary career in Australian radio, writing, music and production.
John revealed his father continued composing music well into his later years, despite suffering from arthritis.
“He transcribed, composed, and recorded and as arthritis set in he worked one-note-at-a-time on the screen,” John said.
“In 2024 his Symphony #1 was performed in concert by a live orchestra just as he was turning 101.”
Maizels is survived by his sons John, Robin and Andrew, their wives, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.