‘Jack Irish’ writer Peter Temple dies aged 71

Tributes are flowing for crime writer and Miles Franklin award recipient Peter Temple, who has died aged 71.

Temple died on Thursday at his Ballarat home in Victoria after battling cancer for the past six months, Fairfax Media reported.

Born in South Africa, he travelled to Australian as a journalist in the 1980s.

As a crime fiction writer, he won multiple awards, including the prestigious Miles Franklin literary award in 2010.

He also created the popular character Jack Irish for a string of novels, which were later adapted for a television series starring actor Guy Pearce.

Mr Pearce was among the first to pay tribute to Temple with a heartfelt tweet last night.

https://twitter.com/TheGuyPearce/status/972780662100054016

“My sincerest condolences to Peter Temple’s family and friends. It’s truly an honour to play one of your most beloved creations.

“Thankyou for all the colourful characters you’ve introduced me to, and the dark paths you’ve led me down. Respect and Peace PT,” he posted, signing off with a string of kisses.