Did Paul Hogan pass away? Iconic reptile star of Crocodile Dundee passes away aged 90

Burt, a 5.1-meter, 700-kg crocodile from Paul Hogan's 1986 smash hit Crocodile Dundee recently passed away in captivity in Darwin. He was believed to have been over 90 years old as of December 23. Paul Hogan did not die; his co-star in Crocodile Dundee, the Australian classic.

As per The Mail’s report from the same day, Burt became equivalent to Germany’s Paul the Octopus. On Monday, December 23, the news was shared on the Instagram page of Crocosaurus Cove, an aquarium and display facility located in Darwin, Australia, where Paul Hogan’s co-star was kept. Stating the same, they further said:

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt, the iconic saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee… Burt passed away peacefully over the weekend, estimated to be over 90 years old, marking the end of an incredible era.”

The herpetarium also shared a tribute to the renowned animal, which is regarded as one of the most well-known crocodiles in the world. Announcing the same, it continued:

“Burt's life story is one of strength, resilience and a personality as bold as the Top End itself.”

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Paul Hogan didn’t die but his co-star from Crocodile Dundee, Burt, died at 90

Paul Hogan’s co-star Burt was a famous crocodile (Image via Steven Siewert/Fairfax Media - Pool/Getty Images)

Since 2008, Burt, the saltwater crocodile, had lived in Crocosaurus Cove. According to Penny Priest, the CEO of Crocosaurus Cove, he was taken from the Reynolds River in 1980. Additionally, he was named after movie star Burt Reynolds. Furthermore, filmmakers found him at a crocodile farm later.

According to the tribute written by the Crocosaurus Cove team, Burt went on to become one of the most well-known crocodiles in the world. He traveled to Crocosaurus Cove, where he established himself as a crocodile education ambassador and later made an appearance in Crocodile Dundee.

Having spent his early years on a crocodile farm, Burt was well-known for his independence and his status as a confirmed bachelor. He embodied the wild and unbridled spirit of the saltwater crocodile, and his fiery disposition won him the admiration of both his caretakers and guests.

Additionally, the Cove's authorities stated that Paul Hogan’s co-star was unique. He was more than a crocodile; he was a symbol of the majesty of these amazing animals and a force of nature. They further stated that even though his temperament could be difficult at times, it was also what made him so enduring and adored by both his coworkers and the hundreds of people who came to see him over the years.

Visitors from diverse parts of the world marveled at his impressive size and commanding presence, especially at feeding time. They then concluded the tribute by thanking his fans:

“The team at Crocosaurus Cove would like to thank everyone who visited Burt and helped celebrate his remarkable life. As we mourn his loss, we are reminded of the vital role wildlife plays in our shared history and the importance of preserving it for future generations.”

In the movie, which featured Burt, after meeting American reporter Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowsk), who eventually falls in love with him, Mick Dundee (Paul Hogan) leaves the Australian outback for the jungle. The scene which features Burt, showed that Kozlowski's character is attacked while kneeling along a creek.

As per the same Guardian report, although a large portion of the scene was filmed with models, Priest stated:

“The scene … was actually filmed using the motions of Burt and him launching out of the water.”

In 2018, Paul Hogan’s co-actor became Australia's Paul the Octopus, accurately predicting the outcome of the World Cup final by choosing to bite a French flag instead of a Croatian one with chicken pieces attached. Burt was also utilized as the model for visual effects in the 2007 killer-croc movie Rogue.

On the other hand, Crocosaurus Cove stated that they intended to erect a memorial sign in Burt's honor at the attraction. While doing so, they wanted to honor his remarkable life as well as the conversations and stories he shared when he was in the park.