Communities mourn the loss of an Aussie TV figure (79) and Blues Brothers star (95)
- Replies 6
The entertainment and TV industry has seen many figures come and go.
Yet, it's devastating to lose influential talents that shaped the way we enjoy media.
Today, we mourn the passing of an Australian journalist who shaped children's television and an actress who passed amid an ongoing crisis.
Children's television pioneer Simon Townsend has passed away at the age of 79.
Townsend was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
His family shared the news of his passing last Wednesday, which sent ripples of sadness across the nation.
'In his final days, Simon was surrounded by his family and a mix of journalists, writers, actors, political activists and Italians,' his family wrote in a statement.
'The conversation to the end was loud, passionate and full of laughs.'
Simon Townsend was a newspaper journalist and a TV presenter.
However, he brought the world into Australian homes through his groundbreaking children's show, Wonder World.
Wonder World featured Townsend with a lovable sidekick named Woodrow—who became an icon as it captured the hearts of young audiences.
The programme, which aired on Network Ten from 1979 to 1987, was a cultural phenomenon.
Wonder World won five Logie Awards for Most Popular Children's Television series.
Wonder World was a unique blend of entertainment and news tailored for young Australians.
Townsend consistently pushed the boundaries of children's programming, often clashing with Australian TV regulators to maintain the show's ethos.
He believed that the show should 'never talk down to children' as a form of respect.
This respect was evident in every episode, which he would end with the iconic farewell message, 'And remember, the world really is wonderful!'
Prior to Wonder World, Townsend had a prosperous career as a newspaper reporter and was a conscientious objector against the Vietnam War.
His foray into television began after meeting A Current Affair host and producer Mike Willesee at a dinner party and developed the concept of Wonder World together.
Despite initial setbacks, Townsend's persistence paid off when changes in broadcasting laws created a demand for quality Australian television content.
Wonder World aired with nearly 2,000 episodes and featured Townsend's travels across the country.
He would later on travel globally to bring stories to the comfort of Australian homes, all with humour and music.
After running Wonder World, Townsend continued to influence the Australian media landscape with his ABC show, TVTV.
He worked alongside Wonder World star Edith Bliss and musician James Valentine.
He also appeared on a celebrity version of Sale of the Century.
Simon Townsend's health struggles in later life did not diminish his passion for journalism.
He remained an avid news follower and often reflected on the cyclical nature of news stories.
The media industry also poured tributes to Townsend.
TV and radio presenter Amanda Keller shared her memories of working as a researcher on Wonder World.
Keller credited Townsend as a groundbreaking force in her career.
Fans and former viewers also took to social media to express their condolences and share stories of how Townsend's work impacted their lives.
In other news, Hollywood mourns after the tragic loss of Dalyce Curry, an actress whose career spanned several decades. She was 95.
Dalyce Curry was a memorable presence in the classic film The Blues Brothers.
Curry's life was cut short amidst the devastating wildfires that have been ravaging Los Angeles over the past week.
Ms Curry's passing was confirmed by her great-granddaughter, Dalyce Kelley, on social media.
'About an hour ago, the coroner confirmed her remains were indeed found at the property,' Kelley wrote in a post.
'We had a great run. Momma Dee impacted my life in so many ways. This loss is devastating.'
Dalyce Curry, affectionately known as Momma Dee, had a luminous career in Hollywood.
Her filmography boasted roles in iconic productions like Lady Sings the Blues, The Blues Brothers, and The Ten Commandments.
Her talent and presence on screen left an indelible mark on the industry and her fans.
The tragedy unfolded as the Eaton Fire tore through the Altadena area, destroying homes and lives in its path.
Kelley last saw her grandmother before the Pacific Palisades fire began.
Kelley, who also served as Curry's caretaker, desperately sought information about her great-grandmother's whereabouts after the fire consumed her home.
In a distressing social media plea, Kelley wrote, 'My grandmother's house burned down. Has anyone seen Momma Dee?'
'I'm at the shelter searching for the third time. Not here.'
The subsequent search led Kelley and officials to the remains of Dalyce Curry's home.
'It was total devastation. Everything was gone except her blue Cadillac,' Kelley lamented.
The grim discovery of Curry's remains on her property brought a heartbreaking conclusion to the search.
More than just Curry's family, the entertainment industry also mourned her passing.
The recent wildfires have shown no mercy as it claimed the lives of individuals from all walks of life.
As communities and victims come to terms with the losses, there is a collective sense of heartache.
As we mourn for these figures, we reflect on the impact that they have had on their families and their communities.
May they rest in peace.
Yet, it's devastating to lose influential talents that shaped the way we enjoy media.
Today, we mourn the passing of an Australian journalist who shaped children's television and an actress who passed amid an ongoing crisis.
Children's television pioneer Simon Townsend has passed away at the age of 79.
Townsend was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
His family shared the news of his passing last Wednesday, which sent ripples of sadness across the nation.
Simon Townsend with his Wonder World sidekick, Woodrow. Image Credit: IMdB
'In his final days, Simon was surrounded by his family and a mix of journalists, writers, actors, political activists and Italians,' his family wrote in a statement.
'The conversation to the end was loud, passionate and full of laughs.'
Simon Townsend was a newspaper journalist and a TV presenter.
However, he brought the world into Australian homes through his groundbreaking children's show, Wonder World.
Wonder World featured Townsend with a lovable sidekick named Woodrow—who became an icon as it captured the hearts of young audiences.
The programme, which aired on Network Ten from 1979 to 1987, was a cultural phenomenon.
Wonder World won five Logie Awards for Most Popular Children's Television series.
Wonder World was a unique blend of entertainment and news tailored for young Australians.
Townsend consistently pushed the boundaries of children's programming, often clashing with Australian TV regulators to maintain the show's ethos.
He believed that the show should 'never talk down to children' as a form of respect.
This respect was evident in every episode, which he would end with the iconic farewell message, 'And remember, the world really is wonderful!'
Prior to Wonder World, Townsend had a prosperous career as a newspaper reporter and was a conscientious objector against the Vietnam War.
His foray into television began after meeting A Current Affair host and producer Mike Willesee at a dinner party and developed the concept of Wonder World together.
Despite initial setbacks, Townsend's persistence paid off when changes in broadcasting laws created a demand for quality Australian television content.
Wonder World aired with nearly 2,000 episodes and featured Townsend's travels across the country.
He would later on travel globally to bring stories to the comfort of Australian homes, all with humour and music.
After running Wonder World, Townsend continued to influence the Australian media landscape with his ABC show, TVTV.
He worked alongside Wonder World star Edith Bliss and musician James Valentine.
He also appeared on a celebrity version of Sale of the Century.
Simon Townsend's health struggles in later life did not diminish his passion for journalism.
He remained an avid news follower and often reflected on the cyclical nature of news stories.
The media industry also poured tributes to Townsend.
TV and radio presenter Amanda Keller shared her memories of working as a researcher on Wonder World.
Keller credited Townsend as a groundbreaking force in her career.
Fans and former viewers also took to social media to express their condolences and share stories of how Townsend's work impacted their lives.
In other news, Hollywood mourns after the tragic loss of Dalyce Curry, an actress whose career spanned several decades. She was 95.
Dalyce Curry was a memorable presence in the classic film The Blues Brothers.
Curry's life was cut short amidst the devastating wildfires that have been ravaging Los Angeles over the past week.
Ms Curry's passing was confirmed by her great-granddaughter, Dalyce Kelley, on social media.
Dalyce Curry was an actress with a long-standing film career. Image Credit: Facebook/Dalyce Curry
'About an hour ago, the coroner confirmed her remains were indeed found at the property,' Kelley wrote in a post.
'We had a great run. Momma Dee impacted my life in so many ways. This loss is devastating.'
Dalyce Curry, affectionately known as Momma Dee, had a luminous career in Hollywood.
Her filmography boasted roles in iconic productions like Lady Sings the Blues, The Blues Brothers, and The Ten Commandments.
Her talent and presence on screen left an indelible mark on the industry and her fans.
The tragedy unfolded as the Eaton Fire tore through the Altadena area, destroying homes and lives in its path.
Kelley last saw her grandmother before the Pacific Palisades fire began.
Kelley, who also served as Curry's caretaker, desperately sought information about her great-grandmother's whereabouts after the fire consumed her home.
In a distressing social media plea, Kelley wrote, 'My grandmother's house burned down. Has anyone seen Momma Dee?'
'I'm at the shelter searching for the third time. Not here.'
The subsequent search led Kelley and officials to the remains of Dalyce Curry's home.
'It was total devastation. Everything was gone except her blue Cadillac,' Kelley lamented.
The grim discovery of Curry's remains on her property brought a heartbreaking conclusion to the search.
More than just Curry's family, the entertainment industry also mourned her passing.
The recent wildfires have shown no mercy as it claimed the lives of individuals from all walks of life.
As communities and victims come to terms with the losses, there is a collective sense of heartache.
May they rest in peace.
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