Sad news right now: The actress has passed away due to depression.
In recent days, a series of alarming headlines have flooded social media platforms, particularly Facebook, claiming that a beloved former Home and Away star has tragically passed away following a battle with severe depression. The articles, often hosted on obscure “news” domains, use “Breaking News” banners and somber imagery to lure fans into clicking. However, these reports are confirmed to be a malicious hoax.
The Origin of the Hoax
The rumors primarily target Kirsty Marillier, the talented actress and playwright who portrayed Rose Delaney on the long-running Australian soap opera. The false articles claim that the actress “committed suicide due to severe depression,” often accompanied by “condolences to the family” to make the story appear legitimate.
These sites frequently use sensationalist headlines like “Sad News Right Now” or “Shocking Discovery” to drive traffic. In reality, these are “clickbait” scams. Often, when a user clicks the link, they are redirected to sites filled with intrusive ads or prompted to provide personal information, while the “news” content remains vague or entirely absent.
The Truth: Kirsty Marillier is Thriving
Contrary to these heartbreaking rumors, Kirsty Marillier is very much alive and is currently at a high point in her professional career.
Marillier made her final appearance as Constable Rose Delaney on Home and Away in early 2025. Her character was given a hero’s exit, departing Summer Bay for a prestigious detective promotion in the city. This departure was a creative choice by the actress to allow her to focus on her flourishing career as a playwright and stage performer.
Far from the grim narrative presented by the hoaxes, Marillier’s real life is filled with success. She is a recognized voice in the Australian arts community. Her play, Orange Thrower, won the prestigious Nick Enright Prize for Playwriting at the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. Furthermore, the Melbourne Theatre Company has confirmed that her latest work, DESTINY, is set to premiere in 2025, and she has been active on social media promoting her upcoming creative ventures.
The Danger of Death Hoaxes
This is not the first time a Home and Away cast member has been targeted. In the past, stars like Ray Meagher (Alf Stewart) and Ada Nicodemou (Leah Patterson) have been the subjects of similar “death scams.”
These hoaxes are deeply harmful. They cause unnecessary grief for fans, distress for the actor’s actual family and friends, and they exploit serious issues like mental health and depression for financial gain through ad revenue.
Protecting Yourself from Fake News
Fans are urged to verify any “breaking news” regarding celebrities through reputable, mainstream media outlets like the ABC, News.com.au, or the official Home and Away social media channels. If a major star had passed away, it would be lead news across all national networks, not just on obscure, ad-heavy websites.
Kirsty Marillier continues to be a vibrant part of the Australian acting and writing scene. Fans can look forward to her future projects on stage and screen, safe in the knowledge that these online reports are nothing more than a cruel digital fabrication.