Ossie Ostrich actor Ernie Carroll died at the age of 92 on Wednesday. Daryl Somers, his buddy and Hey Hey It’s Saturday co-star, confirmed his death on Twitter.

“It is with great regret that I announce the death of my dear friend and mentor, Ernie Carroll,” he posted on Facebook.

Ossie Ostrich actor died of natural causes on Wednesday morning, surrounded by family, at his retirement home in Victoria. “Ernie was a television pioneer beginning in the 1950s, transitioning from a radio background to GTV9 when television was in its infancy,” said Mr. Somers.

“It was a journey of discovery since no one knew how television functioned. It drew on the various abilities of everyone involved.

“Ernie was popularly known as a cartoonist, camera operator, sponsor liaison officer, producer, writer, on-camera character portraying Professor Ratbaggy.

He also drew and narrated Joybelle’s adventures in the children’s shows that he produced out of GTV9 in the 1960s.”

Ernie also created comedy for Graham Kennedy, the King of Variety Television, on ‘In Melbourne Tonight.

And most prominently, Ernie was best known for creating Oswald Q Ostrich (Ossie), a charming and incomprehensibly funny’sidekick’ on Hey Hey It’s Saturday.

“I am extremely thankful for Ernie’s early professional mentoring,” Mr. Somers wrote.

Ossie Ostrich, Somers and Caroll’s puppet, presented the show, with John Blackman providing a running commentary.

Ernie Carroll is survived by his wife Miffy Marsh and their two children. His family was with him the actor took his last breath on earth.

The couple dwelled at Racecourse Grange Aged Care with his companion of over 50 years.

Their kids daughter Lynne, and son Bruce has demanded privacy at difficult times. Our prayers are always with him and his family.

There isn’t much information accessible about the artist’s family because he prefers to keep his life away from the public. We will update you soon with more details regarding his partner and family.

Michael Healy, Nine’s director of television, said the network was very saddened by Carroll’s passing and referred to him as a pioneer of Australian television.

“He gave enormous fun and delight to generations of Australians as a part of the Nine family for numerous decades,” he added.

According to The Age, Ossie was born on radio station 3GL. He initially debuted on children’s variety program The Tarax Show in the mid-1960s, “after Carroll was inspired by a French television show that included a talking duck.”

Carroll, at 65, chose to depart Hey Hey in December 1994, bringing Ossie with him.

Ernie Carroll’s net worth at the time of his death is estimated to be between $3million to $7million. Since the artist lived a very modest life and never actually disclose anything related to his wealth and assets. We assumed he must have earned a fortune from his puppet show.

He began his career as a puppeteer and “Ossie Ostrich” voice actor on The Tarax Show. Later, he appeared on the long-running and popular variety show Hey Hey It’s Saturday with Daryl Somers.

Carroll was notorious for wanting to keep Ossie’s illusion separate from his role as a puppeteer. For example, refusing to have his picture taken with the puppet.

Following his death, many famous and well-known people paid tribute to the artist, recognizing and appreciating his work.