Tributes have flowed for the actor, who also starred in The Dish, with Sam Neill remembering him as ‘a fine, funny actor’

Australian actor Tom Long, known for his roles in television series SeaChange and film The Dish, has died at the age of 51.

The actor died from encephalitis on Saturday after achieving remission last year from multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in bone marrow, which he had for seven years.

Related: SeaChange reboot: how will a new network change the beloved show?

Very sad to hear we have lost Tom Long. The sweetest man, and a fine, fine funny actor. And a great pleasure to work with.

Vale #TomLong pic.twitter.com/DQx7rkcdLe

Vale Tom Long A sublime actor and beautiful human being

My heart is so heavy. Tom Long was one of the most beautiful humans I ever met. A rare soul. Kind, funny, warm,