Australians have paid tribute to a “grim ambassador with a challenging personality” after the star of classic blockbuster Crocodile Dundee died aged 90.

Burt, a “unique” five-metre-long saltwater crocodile, died in Darwin at the weekend. The grumpy, 700kg reptile was best known for his brief but iconic role in the 1980s film, but later launched a new career as a psychic.

Crocosauraus Cove, the crocodile farm where Burt spent the last 20 years of his life, said their life story was one of “strength (and) resilience.”

“Burt was known for his independence and was a confirmed bachelor – an attitude that was clearly evident in his earlier years on a crocodile farm,” the Herpetarium posted on Instagram.

“His fiery temperament earned him the respect of his handlers and visitors alike, as he embodied the raw and untamed spirit of the saltwater crocodile. Burt was truly one of a kind.”

Crocodile Dundee was released in 1986 and remains Australia’s highest-grossing film of all time. It tells the story of a journalist from New York, played by Linda Kozlowski, who travels to the Australian outback in pursuit of the eccentric crocodile hunter Mick Dundee, played by Paul Hogan.

In a pivotal scene, Dundee rescues the journalist from the clutches of the giant crocodile, which has grabbed her water bottle and threatens to drag her down its jaws. The comedy later follows the couple on their trip to New York.

Crocosaurus Cove executive director Penny Priest told ABC that Burt was discovered several years after being captured from the wild, but has always had Hollywood in its blood, having been named after American actor Burt Reynolds.

She added that after gaining fame on screen, Burt launched a new career as a psychic, predicting the results of World Cups and Australian elections – although his success rate was less than 100 per cent.

There are approximately 200,000 saltwater crocodiles in Australia and the average life expectancy is 70 years.

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