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The Shortland Street actor died unexpectedly.

Sydney-based New Zealand actor Francis (Frankie) Mossman, known for staring in the Australian gay web series The Horizon and NZ soap opera Shortland Street has died unexpectedly.

The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

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On Friday, an image of a young Mossman with the caption “Who knew this boy would endure so much pain” was shared on the actor’s Instagram page.

Australian drag queen and former RuPaul Drag Race contestant Courtney Act replied to the post saying “Oh gosh. Sweet Frankie. I’m so sorry to hear this news.”

While the post was made on Friday, news of the late actor’s death began to filter out across social media on Sunday.

Friends of the late actor and a number of LGBT organisations have also shared tributes.

Queer Screen – organisers of the Mardi Gras Film Festival issued a statement online saying they were “saddened” to hear of Mossman’s death.

“Moving from Auckland to Sydney in 2012, Frankie was a well-known member of our LGBTIQ+ community, appearing in numerous NZ and Australian productions including Sydney made gay web series, The Horizon.” Queer Screen wrote.

“Frankie was a great friend of Queer Screen, starring in our MGFF16 trailer and was always an enthusiastic audience member at our festivals. Our sincere condolences to all his friends and family. May he Rest In Peace.”

Popular LGBT nightclub Stonewall Hotel also took to social media to pay tribute to the actor. Mossman had hosted the bar and nightclub’s popular Malebox events in recent years.

“RIP Francis Mossman. We miss you and know your smile will light up the sky.” the post from Stonewall read.

Paul Layton, who starred alongside Mossman in web series The Horizon, told the Daily Mail Australia recent COVID-19 restrictions in place across New South Wales and the isolation that has come with it, was a contributing factor in the Kiwi actor’s death.

“There seems to be an epidemic of losing people in isolation these days that nobody seems to be talking about,” Layton said.  

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