Reg Grundy, Creator of Australian Soap ‘Neighbours,’ Dies at 92

Veteran producer’s long-running show launched careers of stars like Russell Crowe and Kylie Minogue

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Reg Grundy, a veteran TV executive best known for creating the long-running Australian soap opera “Neighbors,” has died at age 92.

He died at his home in Bermuda, where he has lived since 1982 with his wife, actress Joy Chambers, according to the BBC.

Grundy’s production company created many of Australia’s biggest TV hits, including “The Young Doctors,” “Sons and Daughters” and “Prisoner: Cell Block H.” He also co-produced the 1977 documentary “ABBA: The Movie.”

In addition, he picked up several U.S. game shows such as “Wheel of Fortune” (which he initially hosted) and “Sale of the Century” and adapted them for Australian TV.

But he was best known for creating the long-running soap “Neighbours,” which debuted in 1985 and helped launch the careers of Hollywood stars like Kylie Minogue, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Margot Robbie and Liam and Chris Hemsworth.

Grundy was so popular in Australia that his name became the basis for rhyming slang, with natives calling underwear “Reggies” or “Grundies.”

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