DR BRIAN DENHAM played by MICHAEL BEECHER

Brian Denham was the hospital's dedicated and respected Medical Superintendent for most of the show's run. From the beginning, it was clear that there would be difficult compromises between his personal and professional life. Laura, his wife, felt lonely and neglected when they moved to Sydney in order for Brian to take up his post at the Albert. She soon embarked on an affair with dishy Dr Craig Rothwell. It was while Brian was away on business and Laura was in a hotel room with Rothwell that there son, Toby, was involved in a hit and run accident. Although he recovered, the episode was only the first strain on Brian's marriage. His wife's affair was later revealed by accident while Rothwell was undergoing hypnotherapy for a psychosomatic illness. Much more strife followed before the couple parted.
Dr Denham ruled the Albert with an iron rod. He was a fair man, but he had no time for incompetence or insubordination. His greatest ally was his faithful secretary, Helen Gordon. The two were firm friends, and at one point romance blossomed and they almost wed. Denham dated many other female members of staff over the years, including Viv Jeffries, Susanne Stuart and Genevieve Ridgeway. Towards the end of the show's run, Brian Denham left the Albert, and his position was filled by Dr Steele.

Michael Beecher (real name Becher) was the son of a Rear Admiral Otto Humphrey Becher, and was expected to follow his father into the navy. However, he opted for a more creative life, graduating from Melbourne University and then learning French at the Sorbonne and Spanish in Barcelona. After he was turned down by the Diplomatic Service in London he decided to study acting and took an MA in drama at Sydney University.

He later worked as a model for Pierre Cardin, a job which took him all over Europe. On his return to Australia he began appearing in television shows, including Kings Men and Ben Hall. Michael was known to be a quite man off set. While he was appearing as Brian Denham he also ran his own plant shop. Sadly, Michael died in 1994.