Heartbreak High season 2 dedication explained: Who was Michael Jenkins?

Heartbreak High season 2 is now streaming on Netflix, and it's what everyone's currently watching at the moment. As you make your way through the first episode, you might've noticed a tribute to a person named Michael Jenkins just before the credits. If you're curious to know who this person was, we've got you covered and explained who they were below.

The dedication pops up at the very end of the first episode titled "Bird Psycho." Right before the credits start rolling, a special tribute card with text reading, "In memory of Michael Jenkins, whose vision and creative direction was ahead of his time. Thank you. Vale Michael Jenkins 1946-2024" appears on the screen.

TV shows and movies usually include in memoriams to honor a person who was connected to the production of the show/movie and has passed away. In this tribute’s case, the special person was a producer of the reboot series.

In fact, Michael Jenkins was the co-creator of the original '90s series of the same name, which was a spin-off of the 1993 romantic comedy film The Heartbreak Kid, on which he served as a writer and director. Sadly, the legendary Australian writer-director passed away at the age of 77 on March 4, 2024, following a 2020 diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. His long-time partner Amanda Robson confirmed his death to his management. He is survived by Robson and his son, Jack Jenkins.

Jenkins' exact date of birth is unknown, but he was born in 1946 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. In addition to his work on the original Heartbreak High and its reboot and The Heartbreak Kid, he's also known for directing the crime drama shows Scales of Justice, Blue Murder, and Wildside. His final work was as a producer on the Heartbreak High reboot series.

After news of his passing was announced, tributes from his close friends and colleagues immediately started flooding in. Fellow Australian director and friend of Jenkins, Ian Barry, spoke highly of him and his contributions to the film industry.

Here's what Barry had to say about Jenkins via Daily Mail:

"I'd long marvelled at Mike’s talent as a film maker and his ability for capturing truth in performance and to achieve startlingly realistic visual styles.The industry will always remember him as a master filmmaker. Beyond the passionate and driven personality, Mike will always be remembered as a warm, fair and empathetic friend and of course a tender and loving husband and father."

- Ian Barry

Australian actor Adam Zwar also paid tribute to Jenkins via a X post.

"RIP Michael Jenkins - writer/director of arguably the greatest Oz TV series ever - Blue Murder. He also directed The Heartbreak Kid & produced Heartbreak High. He often talked of making a Ned Kelly film, told through the eyes of Joe Byrne. Would've loved to have seen that."

- Adam Zwar

Rest in peace, Michael Jenkins. You'll truly be missed.