Mark Priestley

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Mark Damien Priestley (9 August 1976 – 27 August 2008) was an Australian actor and comedian from Perth. He studied acting at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and graduated in 1999.

Priestley’s big TV break came in 2000 with The Farm, and director Kate Woods gave him a role in the 2001 mini-series Changi. He also appeared semi-regularly in The Secret Life of Us and had roles in two ABC mini-series, Changi and The Farm, along with a guest spot on Blue Heelers. His first on-air appearance on All Saints was in July 2004, where he played Dan Goldman. He continued on All Saints until November 2008, with the final episodes written before his death.

He was a longtime friend of co-star Wil Traval, and the two were known for playful pranks on set. Priestley also had notable theatre work, including Silvio in The Servant of Two Masters with Bell Shakespeare Company and Major Barbara with the Sydney Theatre Company in 2003.

Priestley was the partner of actress and writer Kate Mulvany. On 27 August 2008, he checked into the Swissotel in Sydney and died after jumping from a hotel window; the death was not treated as suspicious. He is believed to have suffered from depression. His funeral was held on 4 September 2008 in Perth, with more than 500 people attending. He remained on All Saints in posthumous scenes until 18 November 2008.

In April 2009, Priestley was nominated posthumously for a Logie Award for Most Popular Male Actor on Television but did not win. Colleagues remembered him for his talent, comic timing, and emotional depth.