Home Entertainment Australian journalist and TV presenter Simon Townsend dead at 79

Australian journalist and TV presenter Simon Townsend dead at 79

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Australian journalist and television presenter Simon Townsend dies at 79

Australian journalist and television presenter Simon Townsend has died at the age of 79.

The TV star had recently been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer and his family announced his death on Wednesday.

“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 being the creator and host of the children’s television show Wonder World, which aired from 1979 to 1987.

The show was a huge hit in its time and won five Logie Awards for most popular children’s television series.

Townsend had a companion in the series, a bloodhound named Woodrow, who was a favorite among young audiences.

Australian journalist and television presenter Simon Townsend dies at 79

Wonder World was a program focused on entertainment and news for young Australians, which also released music videos from big bands such as INXS.

His family said Townsend often battled Australian television regulators to present segments that “pushed the boundaries” for his young audience.

“Simon often found himself in hot water with Australian children’s television regulators, fighting to maintain the transgressive spirit of his show and preserve his children’s television ratings,” they said.

“The edict to everyone involved in making the show was to never talk down to the kids.”

Townsend was known for ending each episode of his show with a poignant farewell, saying, “And remember, the world really is wonderful!”

In 1993, the beloved star also hosted an ABC show called TVTV where she interviewed famous celebrities about their own television projects.

He worked alongside Wonder World star Edith Bliss on the show, as well as musician James Valentine.

Townsend also appeared 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 and his family announced his death on Wednesday.

The TV star had recently been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer and his family announced his death on Wednesday.

More to come.

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