今日吃瓜

Beloved Sydney performer Brent Thorpe has passed away at age 61, with his husband confirming the news in a heartbreaking social media post shared today (Feb 2).

鈥淥n 6 January 2026, I lost the love of my life, Brent Thorpe,鈥� wrote Thorpe’s husband, Travis de Jonk. 鈥淏rent was a beloved son of Gordon and Pam, brother of Belinda and uncle of Matthew and Marner, and my dearly loved and devoted husband.鈥�

A towering presence in Sydney鈥檚 queer performance scene, Thorpe was known for his razor-sharp humour, theatrical bravado and deep, generous commitment to community. Thorpe was a generous and idolised queer performer, whose work travelled from Dublin to Berlin, Barcelona and home to Sydney, where he became a familiar and beloved face on stages across the city.

鈥淏rent was a deeply loved elder, champion and friend within the gay community,鈥� Travis wrote. 鈥淎 comedy genius and theatrical powerhouse鈥� he brought laughter, courage and connection wherever he went.鈥�

Thorpe was perhaps best known in recent years for his work with Sydney Leather Titles, where he hosted the past two ceremonies at the Paddo RSL. In a statement, Sydney Leather Titles said his death had come as 鈥渁 profound shock鈥�, remembering his 2024 opening number Brown Caviar as 鈥渙ne of the most iconic and hilarious performances ever to grace our stage鈥�.

鈥淏eyond his brilliance as a performer, Brent had a rare gift for making people feel truly comfortable and seen,鈥� the statement read. 鈥淗is warmth, humour, and presence will be deeply missed.鈥�

Tributes have flowed from across Sydney鈥檚 LGBTQIA+ community. Drag performer Felicity Frockaccino wrote: 鈥淏rent/Brenda was a huge inspiration to so many, including myself. Always a joy to be around. I can鈥檛 believe it.鈥�

Palms on Oxford, where a memorial will be held at a later date, described Thorpe as 鈥渁 shining beacon of light鈥�, adding that his 鈥渉umour, intellect, compassion and love for his community鈥� would be sorely missed.

鈥淗e will be missed more than words can say,鈥� Sydney Leather Titles said. 鈥淩est in power, Brent Thorpe.鈥�