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Vale: Old People’s Home farewells ‘Jim’ Tully

Viewers were saddened to learn of the death of a participant of Old People's Home for Teenagers during filming.

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Viewers of ABC’s Old People’s Home for Teenagers were saddened last night to learn that James ‘Jim’ Tully passed away during filming, aged 76.

He was the most frail senior in the group, afflicted with Postherpetic neuralgia, the most common complication of shingles and suffered chronic pain.

Filming stopped for 5 days to allow participants, both seniors and teenagers time to reflect on the loss of their new friend, before sharing their grief together.

Family members were grateful for his brief participation in the series, telling experts they were some of the happiest days he had experienced in a long time.

Julie Hanna, ABC Factual Manager, and the Commissioning Editor said, “The ABC extends our condolences to the family and friends of James “Jim” Tully who passed away during production for Old People’s Home for Teenagers.   After a break in filming,  and with the support of Jim’s family,  production continued, and the group were able to come together to celebrate Jim’s life.   Jim left a lasting impression on the cast and crew.

“Our audience has had opportunity to witness Jim’s wonderful character in episodes 1 and 2 and we’re grateful to Jim and his family for his involvement in this experience.”

Viewers took to social media to share their own feelings.

5 Responses

  1. This show is such an emotional roller coaster. It was joyous to see the connections being made between the participants. But so sad to hear teenagers say they are very lonely, something that perhaps is more expected of older people as they retire or become empty nesters & their social circles shrink (which is also sad). I wonder if the teens loneliness was as bad before the pandemic. For the generation that uses social media so much it seems they don’t always socially connect in real life.

  2. Can confirm, as per my Tweet was very saddened by the death of Jim and shed a tear. Felt for Miles who had been connecting with him. The oldies were so supportive of all the kids. Such a beautiful program.

  5. This show is really something special. I’m enjoying this version with teenagers even more than the 4 year old version. The scene of Miles walking along with Jim trying out different nick names on him, closely followed by the announcement that he had died was such a gut punch.

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