An Australian actor has died suddenly at the age of 38, sparking an outpouring of grief and support across Australia from the musical theatre community.

Luke Lynch, 38, from Tempe, was originally cast in the role of ‘Dick’ in the popular comedy play made famous by Dolly Parton in the 1980s.

His partner of three years, Dean Caines, said the shock has hit both family and friends but also the wider community theatre groups who are “like family”.

“We suffered a profound loss within our community. Luke Lynch, a cherished member, cast mate, and dear friend, left us unexpectedly,” Rockdale Musical Society (RMS) said.

The RMS group will pay tribute to Mr Lynch during opening night of the new show, placing the cowboy hat he wore during a previous role along with a photo of him just off stage.

“As we prepare for opening night of 9 to 5, Luke’s absence is and will be felt,” RMS wrote on its Facebook page.

Mr Caines is now working to raise money through a GoFundMe campaign to help afford the mounting costs associated with the unexpected passing of his late partner.

“I am reaching out to everyone that loved and cared for Luke to see if they can help contribute,” he wrote on the GoFundMe page.

“Luke was loved by so many, the outpouring of support has been amazing,” Mr Caines said.

As the news of Mr Lynch’s passing was made public on the RMS Facebook page, friends and loved ones flooded the page to share their love and memories.

“I love Luke, we auditioned for Priscilla together, he was sooo good. My heart goes out to all family and dear friends what a beautiful heart and talent,” one friend wrote on Facebook.

“This is devastating news. All of us involved in community theatre know how much a group is our family,” another wrote.

“Very sad news. I worked with Luke on a production of Rent back in 2009. He played Collins and had a beautiful voice,” a third wrote.

“So sorry to read of your sudden loss of your dear friend and colleague musical society life is such a tight-knit community he will be sadly missed”.

Mr Lynch was well known within the community theatre group after building an impressive musical theatre resume.

He had been previously been cast in community productions such as Heathersthe musical and his dream role of Anthony ‘Tick’ Belrose, the lead role in Priscillathe musical in 2022.

“He was an incredible singer and everybody that would hear him sing would just be absolutely floored,” Mr Caines said.

Luke has been remembered a hard working, empathetic man and veterinary nurse who cared deeply for animals and adored his Cavalier dog, Ruby, who was his “absolute life”. Performing was something that “came naturally to him”.

“He would always be there for his friends. If the daughter of somebody that he was in a show with was in a high school production, he would make sure that he was there to support them,” Mr Caines said.

“He was just that kind of person. He would show up for people when they needed him”.

Ms Caines said because his partner of three years was so loved, he wants to be able to celebrate his life the “best way we can”.

“He was so loved, making sure that we can have a wake where over 100 people can attend. It costs money. There’s so much that I never accounted for,” he said.