Burt, Reptilian Star of ‘Crocodile Dundee,’ Dies at More Than 90 Years Old

variety.com:

K.J. Yossman Burt, the reptilian star of 1980s classic “Crocodile Dundee,” has died at the age of at least 90 years old. The croc’s death was announced by Australian reptile park Crocosaurus Cove, where Burt lived out his final years. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt, the iconic Saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee,” the attraction wrote in an Instagram post. “Burt passed away peacefully over the weekend, estimated to be over 90 years old, marking the end of an incredible era.” Starring Paul Hogan as a daring Australian crocodile hunter who feels like a fish-out-of-water after visiting New York, “Crocodile Dundee” was released in 1986 and quickly became one of Australia’s highest grossing films.

Two sequels followed: “Crocodile Dundee II” and “Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles.” Reporting on the original release of the film in Aug.

1986, Variety noted that Paramount Pictures had dithered over keeping the film’s title in case audiences thought the comedy film was “about animals rather than people.” The “Crocodile” of the film’s title is actually Hogan’s character’s nickname.

In the end, after reviewing 250 alternative options, Paramount decided to keep the name but released the film with quote marks around the world “Crocodile” — although in the end it didn’t stick.