New Zealand actor Francis "Frankie" Mossman, best known among fans for his roles in television shows like Shortland Street, Spartacus and The Horizon, was found dead over the weekend. Based out of Sydney, Australia, his passing away has come three weeks after fellow soap opera actor Dieter Brummer died, due to struggles with the COVID-19 lockdown. Mossman's brothers Laurence and Jeremy posted their tributes to their elder brother, including his mother, May, who wrote, "Rest in peace now, son. You know how much we loved you, Francis. You left a huge gap in our heart."

On August 4, Francis Mossman posted several pictures of himself and his Cavoodle puppy, Piper. He wrote, "Pup isn’t loving lockdown..." Sharing another photo of himself and looking unenthusiastic, he said, "Me being excited for at least four more weeks of lockdown." Mossman lost his five-year-old dog, Hoff, back in May, with his passing leaving the actor quite depressed and open about his own mental health struggles. He posted, "I constantly experience a bit of unhappiness, but knowing I had Hoff gave me so much comfort. I never cry, but the last two days I have been crying uncontrollably."

The Casting Guild of Australia has established the Shoulder2Shoulder campaign in an effort to extend support to actors and artists who are facing a tough time. In a video, President Dave Newman said, "No generation of actor has gone through the upheaval and emotional turmoil that you guys have been through in the last 18 months." He further stated, "Ironically it is you guys that are culturally lifting us out of this sh**fight. You’re the ones we’re binge watching, you’re the ones who we’re hanging on your every word. You’re essential."