Australian actor and cherished Playschool host Alister Smart has passed away at the age of 90 in his residence located in East Gippsland, Victoria.

Mr. Smart’s death occurred on September 9, but the announcement of his passing has only come to light recently.

Born in Adelaide on November 30, 1935, he spent part of his childhood in the Nowra region. After leaving school, he joined his family’s piano restoration business, which sparked his passion for music and led him to pursue studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Transitioning to the performing arts, Mr. Smart began his theatrical career in the early 1950s. He had a prolific career in television, appearing in various Australian and UK productions from the 1950s through the mid-1990s.

His notable appearances include roles in shows such as Number 96, Skippy, The Sullivans, Sons and Daughters, A Country Practice, and Neighbours.

Mr. Smart was also featured in the inaugural episode of ABC’s Playschool, which premiered in 1966. He continued to serve as a presenter on Playschool, Australia’s longest-running children’s program, for an impressive 27 years.