Famed cartoonist Michael Leunig dies aged 79

Celebrated Australian cartoonist and writer Michael Leunig has died aged 79.

He died “surrounded by his children, loved ones, and sunflowers” on Thursday.

“The pen has run dry, its ink no longer flowing — yet Mr. Curly and his ducks will remain etched in our hearts, cherished and eternal,” a post on his official Instagram account said.

“Michael Leunig passed away peacefully today, in the early hours of December 19, 2024.

“During his final days, he was surrounded by his children, loved ones, and sunflowers — accompanied as ever, by his dear old friends, Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven.”

His work has regularly appeared in The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald.