Neighbors star Troy Beckwith – who played hated '90s villain 'Sicko Micko' Martin – dies at 48: actor disappeared from spotlight and went missing seven years ago

Neighbors star Troy Beckwith has died aged 48, his co-star has confirmed.

In a post shared on Facebook on Saturday, former Neighbors actress Kym Valentine shared the sad news.

'It hurts me so much to have to say this. Our dear old friend Troy Beckwith has passed away,” Valentine wrote alongside a throwback image of the couple.

“Another member of our TV family gone far too soon. There will be no funeral at Troy's request.

“Thank you for all the memories, my cheeky buddy and all my love to your friends and family,” she concluded.

Legendary casting director Jan Russ responded to Valentine's post with condolences.

'Oh no!!! Dear Troy…That's so sad…beautiful boy,” she wrote.

Actor Brett Blewitt — who memorably played Brett Stark on the soap and recently returned to the revival — also shared kind words.

'He was such a sweet person. Deeply thoughtful and empathetic. Cheeky and playful, once out of his shell. Much too fast. Love you buddy,” he wrote.

Neighbors actress Lucinda Cowden responded with a series of broken heart emojis.

Meanwhile, Troy's close friend Selina Laine Bonica added: 'We lost a star and heaven gained one. Troy, you were a pain in my ass, but I loved you dearly. I'm just glad you're free from pain.”

Ricky Fleming, who starred alongside Troy in children's series Pugwall in the late 1980s, also paid tribute to the actor in an Instagram post this weekend, alongside images of the pair together on the show.

'RIP to my brother from another mother. From birth we had problems with each other and were united to the core. No one will ever know the adventures and joy we had as the mischievous two (tricky and roy) in this life,” he wrote.

“I can honestly say there was never a dull moment when we were together. May you be at peace and continue to be the contagious joy of those who are in your presence now. Troy Beckwith loves you friend'.

There was no cause of death which is currently being given, and according to Valentine's post, Ricky will not have a funeral.

Beckwith played Michael Martin in Neighbors from 1991 to 1998, before appearing in small roles in Blue Heelers and State Coroner.

He was known as one of Neighbours' most iconic villains, with his character branded as 'Sicko Micko'.

The actor was also known for his role as Jeremy 'Bazza' Bazlington in the popular children's series Pugwall between 1989 and 1991.

In 2017 he caused fear after disappearing in Melbourne.

The alarm was raised after he was last seen in Cranbourne and did not answer his phone.

The former Australian soap star was at his home in the early hours of the morning but when his partner returned at 11am he had disappeared.

He drove away in a white 1999 Ford Falcon, registration 1AJ5CQ, with police raising concerns for his safety at the time.

In recent years, Beckwith had disappeared from the spotlight, living a quiet life in Melbourne.