THE CURSE OF WATER RATS

Twenty-five years since it first aired, the Aussie TV show has experienced more tragedy than most

- Phillip Koch

It was one of the most popular Australian shows on TV, but tragedy has stalked the cast of Water Rats over the years.

Two of the most popular actors died far too young and leading man Colin Friels almost lost his life in its third season after a shock cancer diagnosis, casting a long and dark shadow over the drama’s legacy.

The curse hit again just last year when former star Dee Smart, 54, revealed she’s facing her own cancer battle, after doctors found a “very large tumour” in the mum-of-three's bladder, forcing her to undergo emergency surgery.

Brave Dee says she’s not afraid of death, declaring she’s had “the best life” and has achieved everything she ever wanted to do, including reinventing herself as an accomplished artist.

CANCER SHOCK

The string of tragedies to hit the cast of Water Rats began while it was still in production and on-air when Colin, now 68, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late 1997 – the same year he won a TV WEEK Logie Award for Most Outstanding Actor for his role of Detective Frank Holloway.