Australian television producer and screenwriter Reg Watson has passed away, aged 93.
Reg – who created shows including Prisoner, Sons and Daughters and The Young Doctors – was perhaps most well-known as the creator of long-running soap Neighbours.
In 2010 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the media as a pioneer in the creation and production of serial television drama.
Neighbours’ executive producer Jason Herbison paid tribute to Reg on the show’s social media accounts today.
“Everyone at Neighbours is sad to hear of the passing of our creator, Reg Watson,” he writes. “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.”
Vale Reg Watson.
About to enter its 35th year in 2020, Neighbours has launched the careers of many big stars, including Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan.
Kylie, who played Charlene Robinson on the soap, shared her condolences with Reg’s family on Twitter, thanking him for the impact he left on her life.
“What a legacy Reg Watson leaves. For me, and millions of others, Neighbours impacted our lives. My thoughts and best wishes to his family and friends,” she writes on Twitter.
Kylie’s co-star Jason, who starred as Charlene’s husband Scott Robinson, has also celebrated Reg’s incredible career.
“I only met Reg on a few occasions, what always struck me was his genuine passion for Australian talent, storytelling and the creative process.
“He was a pioneer of Australian television. Fact … without Reg we simply wouldn’t have the industry we have today.”
Kylie and Jason kickstarted their careers on Neighbours.
Our thoughts are with Reg’s loved ones at this time.
Vale Reg Watson.
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