Creator of Australia's 'Skippy' dies

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The creator of iconic Australian children's television series "Skippy the Bush Kangaroo", one of the country's earliest and best-known cultural exports, died Wednesday, a report said.

John McCallum, 91, who began his theatre career in London, wrote, directed and produced all 91 30-minute episodes of the series, which was syndicated to 128 countries around the world.

"Skippy" followed the exploits of kangaroo Skippy, her young owner Sonny and the rangers of the Waratah Park, and was screened in Australia between 1966 and 1968.

State radio reported his death, which was understood to be from natural causes. McCallum is survived by his actress wife Googie Withers.