Reg Watson, the creator of Neighbours, has died aged 93.
The executive producer of the Aussie soap, Jason Herbison, confirmed the news in a statement on Neighbours’ official Twitter account.
The statement read:
“‘Everyone at Neighbours is sad to hear of the passing of our creator, Reg Watson.
‘He was a pioneer of drama, prolific in his output and by all accounts a lovely person to work with. His legacy lives on in Ramsay Street to this day.’ – Jason Herbison – Neighbours EP”
‘Everyone at Neighbours is sad to hear of the passing of our creator, Reg Watson. He was a pioneer of drama, prolific in his output and by all accounts a lovely person to work with. His legacy lives on in Ramsay Street to this day.’ – Jason Herbison – Neighbours EP pic.twitter.com/BbfkFwKN6Q
— Neighbours (@neighbours) October 12, 2019
According to TV Tonight AU, Mr. Watson passed away after a short illness. The TV legend also worked on Aussie dramas Prisoner and The Young Doctors, as well as ITV’s Crossroads.
Writer Bevan Lee added:
“Reg Watson was a trailblazer in Australian commercial television drama.
“He also mentored many of its top writing and production talents over the years, including myself, John Holmes, Rick Maier, Sue Smith, Patrea Smallacombe, Greg Haddrick, Coral Drouyn, Jason Herbison and John Misto.
“He also gave a start to many actors who have gone on to tread the world stage, especially through his creation Neighbours. This, Sons and Daughters, Prisoner and The Young Doctors. What a creative legacy! Why is he NOT in the Hall of Fame?”