Australian television icon Simon Townsend, best known as the host of the beloved children’s show Wonder World, has passed away at the age of 79 following a brief battle with cancer.
A celebrated journalist and presenter, Simon became a household name for his innovative approach to children’s television, blending education and entertainment on Wonder World, which inspired a generation of young Australians.
Wonder World aired nationally on Network 10 for eight years, from 1979 to 1987, captivating audiences with its mix of educational stories, quirky segments, and unforgettable catchphrase, “What a week, what a world!”
The family confirmed the news in a statement to the ABC:
“In his final days, Simon was surrounded by his family and a mix of journalists, writers, actors, political activists and Italians,” his family said in a statement.
“The conversation to the last was loud, passionate and full of laughs.”
In 2016, Network 10’s former morning program Studio 10, alongside Entertainment Reporter Craig Bennett, reunited the cast of Wonder World for a special reunion.
The TV icon further shared with Craig Bennett in an Exclusive interview with the morning program the profound heartache he experienced following his wife’s death, his daughter being placed for adoption, and his ongoing health struggles.
Craig Bennett taking to social media today to share, “Simon Townsend was one of the nicest people in the biz, always smiling and full of ideas, even through his battles with illness and loss. He truly lived by his catch-cry: the world is wonderful.”