Former ‘Kiddy Kapers’ TV star dies as California wildfires devastate Malibu estate, mother says

 

Rory Callum Sykes died in the California wildfires, according to his mother Shelley Sykes. From Shelley Sykes/X

Australian Former Child Star Dies in California Wildfires

An Australian former child star tragically lost his life as the Los Angeles wildfires engulfed his family’s Malibu estate earlier this week, his mother confirmed.

Rory Callum Sykes, 32, was at the family’s 17-acre Mount Malibu TV Studios estate, where he resided in a personal cottage, when the devastating fire consumed the property on January 8. His mother, Shelley Sykes, shared the news on X, describing her heartbreak and the loss of her “beautiful” and “wonderful” son.

Shelley Sykes recounted her desperate efforts to save their home, attempting to extinguish wildfire embers on the roof with a hose, only to find that the water supply was not working.

“He said, ‘Mom, leave me,’ but no mom can leave their child,” she told Australia’s 10 News First. “I couldn’t lift him or move him because of my broken arm.”

A Life of Overcoming Challenges
Rory, born blind with cerebral palsy on July 29, 1992, defied the odds to become a motivational speaker and advocate for people with disabilities. Through surgeries and therapies, he regained his sight and learned to walk, achieving feats that inspired many.

He co-founded Happy Charity, an organization offering “Hope, Happiness & Health to those that are Hurting,” and became a professional speaker for organizations such as the Tony Robbins Foundation and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

“He endured so much pain yet still found joy in traveling the world with me, from Africa to Antarctica,” Shelley Sykes wrote on X.

Rory first gained fame on the 1998 British TV series Kiddy Kapers and appeared with his mother on the Australian show Mornings with Kerri-Anne in 2003, where he shared his philosophy: “It doesn’t matter what happens to you in life, it’s what you do about it that counts.”

Community Mourning
Born in Britain, Rory lived in Australia and later the United States. Shelley revealed he was “a gift” born on her and his grandmother’s shared birthday.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed Rory’s death and is assisting his family while coordinating with local authorities.

“Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time,” a DFAT spokesperson said.

The wildfires, including the Eaton Fire, have caused widespread destruction in California, claiming multiple lives and devastating communities like Altadena.