Fans welcome at Bill Hunter's memorial

Bill Hunter's long-term manager says friends and fans will be welcome at a memorial service for the Australian actor on Thursday in Melbourne.

Hunter died in a Melbourne hospice on Saturday surrounded by family and friends at the age of 71, after losing his battle with cancer.

"The service will be open so friends, associates and fans can attend to say their farewell," Mark Morrissey said.

"We're still finalising a list of attendees and those who are going to speak at the service, and hopefully that will all be confirmed by Tuesday," he said.

Tributes continue to pour in for the actor, remembered as a legend both on and off the screen.

Australian director Phillip Noyce - who cast Hunter in four of his films, including his 1978 hit Newsfront - branded the actor "extraordinary".

"He was the epitome, the absolute essence of the Anglo-Irish Australian male of the 20th century. Hunter was us and that's why we liked him and that's why us directors kept using him and why Australian audiences kept responding to him. He defined us. Hunter was extraordinary," he said.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard spoke of his enormous contribution to the nation, helping to define the Australian culture on stage and screen.

Comedian and television host Adam Hills tweeted: "Saddened to hear of Bill Hunter's passing. Honoured to have worked with him. A giant of a man in every sense."

Dancing with the Stars host Daniel MacPherson tweeted: "Legend of the screen. Legend of a man."

Russell Crowe thanked Hunter for the entertainment he provided over his long career that spanned more than 50 years.

"Very sad to hear about Bill Hunter. Unique talent," he said.

"I first met Bill in 1970 on the set of Spyforce. Thanks for the entertainment mate, RIP."

The veteran actor was admitted to the Caritas Christi Hospice six days ago after refusing to go into hospital.

Hunter's acting career spanned more than 50 years and 100 film and television productions.

The service will be held at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne on Thursday, May 26 at 2pm.

- AAP