Australian journalist and television presenter Simon Townsend has died aged 79.
The TV star had recently been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, with his death being announced on Wednesday by his family.
‘In his final days, Simon was surrounded by his family and a mix of journalists, writers, actors, political activists and Italians,’ his loved ones said in a statement.
Townsend was best known for as the creator and host of the children’s television show Wonder World which ran from 1979 to 1987.
The show was a smash hit of its time, landing five Logie Awards for Most Popular Children’s Television series.
Townsend had a sidekick on the series, a bloodhound named Woodrow, who was a favourite among the young audience.
Australian journalist and television presenter Simon Townsend has died aged 79
Wonder World was an entertainment and news focused program for young Australians, which also launched music videos of huge bands like INXS.
His family said Townsend was often fighting against Australian TV regulators to feature ‘boundary-pushing’ segments for his young audience.
‘Simon often found himself in a stoush with Australian children’s television regulators, fighting to maintain his show’s boundary-pushing ethos and preserve his children’s TV rating,’ they said.
‘The edict to all involved in making the show was that they never talk down to children.’
Townsend was known for ending every episode of his show with a heartwarming farewell, saying: ‘And remember, the world really is wonderful!’
In 1993, the beloved star also hosted an ABC show called TVTV where he interviewed famous celebrities about their own television projects.
He worked alongside fellow Wonder World star Edith Bliss on the show, as well as with musician James Valentine.
Townsend also made an appearance on a celebrity version of Sale of the Century, an Australian prime time game show that aired on Nine from 1980 to 2001.
The TV star had recently been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, with his death being announced on Wednesday by his family
TV and radio presenter Amanda Keller led the celebrity tributes to Townsend as she shared an old Woman’s Day magazine which had him featured on the cover.
‘I just heard the news of the passing of Simon Townsend. Simon Townsend’s Wonder World! was my first job,’ she said on Instagram.
‘I was a researcher there, and was lucky enough to work alongside some of the most talented people of my generation.
‘Many of my closest friends today are from those days. I’ll be forever grateful to the show, and to the groundbreaking force that was Simon Townsend.
‘My condolences to all who loved him.’
More to come.
