Neighbours has paid tribute to Reg Grundy today (May 9) following the sad news that the TV pioneer has passed away at the age of 92.
Grundy's company Grundy Television was behind many of Australia's best-loved shows, including Neighbours, The Young Doctors, Sons and Daughters and Prisoner: Cell Block H.
Neighbours' executive producer Jason Herbison has led the tributes today, along with some of the longest-serving cast members on the iconic soap.
"Everyone at Neighbours owes a huge debt to Reg Grundy. Quite simply, we wouldn't be here without him," Herbison said.
"He will be remembered as a pioneer of Australian television and a true gentleman. His legacy at Neighbours lives on and we hope to do him proud."
Stefan Dennis, who plays Neighbours' last remaining original character Paul Robinson, added: "Reg Grundy and Hector Crawford were the founders of commercial television drama as we know it today. Reg also led the way with television light entertainment.
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"I was fortunate enough to cut my teeth on many of Reg's shows, eg Young Doctors and Prisoner, which eventually led to the role of Paul Robinson in what has become an international success story, Neighbours.
"I had the pleasure of being the on-screen nephew of Reg's lovely wife Joy. Hearing of the passing of Reg has genuinely rocked my world because not only was he my boss, but an inspiration, proving anything can be achieved if you believe in yourself.
"Reg was a tough businessman who was loved by many. I will miss you Reg and my heart goes out to the family, most particularly Joy who will devastated by the loss of her husband and best friend. Today sees the end of one of the true love stories in the entertainment industry. RIP Reg."
Grundy passed away in the arms of his wife Joy on their estate in Bermuda. The pair had been married for 45 years.
Jackie Woodburne, who plays Neighbours favourite Susan Kennedy, commented: "Reg was a true groundbreaker in Australian television in the '70s and '80s, and beyond in light entertainment and drama. Shows like Young Doctors where I cut my teeth were a pivotal part of Australian TV. Above all he was just a lovely man and he will be very missed."
Alan Fletcher, better known as Dr Karl Kennedy, said: "Reg was a giant of the television industry. His passion and vision brought the world entertainment of the highest standard for many decades."
Colette Mann - Neighbours' Sheila Canning - hailed Grundy's work on Prisoner: Cell Block H, on which she played Doreen Anderson.
Mann said: "Basically I have Reg Grundy to thank for having a career. If it hadn't been for Prisoner, which was a benchmark in Australian television - Reg took the gamble at the time when women were not cast in strong roles - it was groundbreaking and I know I wouldn't be still doing what I love today if it wasn't for his vision."
The Grundy logo appeared prominently in the Neighbours closing titles until 2006, when the company became FremantleMedia Australia.
FremantleMedia Australia's CEO Ian Hogg added: "Reg Grundy is a national treasure. His legacy to Australian entertainment is insurmountable. His visionary ability to know how to connect Australian families through some of this country's most loved programming has stood the test of time.
"Generations of Australians have grown up with and been touched by a Grundy Production, be it Sons and Daughters, Sale of the Century, Prisoner, The Price Is Right and hundreds of other programmes.
"His innate understanding of great storytelling and entertainment lives on today through programmes such as Family Feud, Wentworth and Neighbours. Reg is an icon and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joy and family at this difficult time."
