Reg Grundy had a knack for transforming television shows into hits.
Whether it was dramas like Neighbours and Prisoner or a game show such as Sale of the Century, Grundy knew how to make them a success.
The man credited with taking Australian television to the world has died, aged 92.
Grundy was "a true giant" of the entertainment industry, TV personality Bert Newton said.
Hundreds of Australian actors got their start in TV on a show produced by the Reg Grundy Organisation, which he founded in 1959 and which has subsequently morphed into FremantleMedia.
Australian TV screens during the 1970s and 1980s were dominated by Grundy shows such as The Restless Years, The Young Doctors, Prisoner, Sons And Daughters, and - the enduring jewel in the crown - Neighbours.
Actress Colette Mann said she owed her career to Grundy and Prisoner, a benchmark in Australian television.
"Reg took the gamble at the time when women were not cast in strong roles," said Mann, who now appears on Neighbours.
"It was groundbreaking and I know I wouldn't still be doing what I love today if it wasn't for his vision," she told Mumbrella.
Grundy, who started his career by developing the radio show Wheel of Fortune, was also expert at picking the best US game shows and making them successful in Australia.
Blankety Blanks, Wheel Of Fortune, Sale Of The Century and Perfect Match all made household names of their hosts Tony Barber, Glenn Ridge, "Baby" John Burgess and Greg Evans.
"Whilst there were already a couple of panel shows and quiz shows on the air, he just had this indefinable ability to know which ones were going to be successful and how to make them a success," Newton told the ABC.
His ability to connect with generations of Australians has stood the test of time, FremantleMedia Australia CEO Ian Hogg said.
"His legacy to Australian entertainment is insurmountable," Mr Hogg said on Monday.
"His innate understanding of great storytelling and entertainment lives on today through programs such as Family Feud, Wentworth and Neighbours."
Grundy was so much a part of Australian culture that his name became rhyming slang for underwear: "Reg Grundies" - undies.
He brought Australia home-grown game shows and serials at a time when Australian voices and faces were still to be heard on our screens, Network Ten head of drama Rick Maier said.
"He put entertainment first and foremost, changed the way television drama could be produced and then exported that expertise to the world."
Everyone in television owes a deep thank you to Grundy, Seven West Media CEO Tim Worner said.
"In many respects he was ahead of his time, a true pioneer who broke new ground in television and developed and nurtured the careers of so many in front of and behind the camera, and took Australian television to the world."
Away from the cameras, Grundy was an affable man with a wonderful sense of humour, said Newton, who had known Grundy since 1959.
Classy, elegant and dignified, said those who knew him.
"He was just an all-round good fellow," Burgess said.
Grundy was a private figure who rarely gave interviews.
He lived in Bermuda with his wife of 45 years, actress and author Joy Chambers, for more than three decades.
Grundy died in his wife's arms at their estate on Friday, Bermuda time.
