Tributes are flowing for Australian radio and TV star John Blackman, whose death was announced on Wednesday after a long battle with cancer.
Blackman’s colleagues from the hit variety show, Hey Hey It’s Saturday, have shared their shock and love for the man who was once a household name.
“He had a God-given talent to make people laugh, especially me,” Daryl Somers told the ABC.
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The Hey Hey It’s Saturday host said he was “devastated” by the death of such a “beloved friend”.
“He used to say his mission on Hey Hey was to break me up, and at times I’d be crying with uncontrollable laughter,” Somers said.
“Sadly, today, I’m just crying.”
Blackman, 76, began his career in radio, working in Goulburn, Melbourne and Canberra, before transitioning to TV, working on popular shows such as Blankety Blanks, The Paul Hogan Show and Family Feud.
However, he was perhaps best known to his fans as the voice of characters including Dickie Knee on Hey Hey, It’s Saturday!
Channel 7 entertainment reporter Peter Ford said that Australia would be a “sadder place” without him.
“John was an incredible man. In the past years, he has put up a huge cancer fight,” Ford said.
“He was a beautiful performer on radio and television.”
Veteran media identity and former senator Derryn Hinch paid tribute to Blackman on X (formerly Twitter).
“Shocked and saddened by the death of John Blackman, he handled his illnesses so bravely,” Hinch said.
“We had some huge rows, but he was the fastest ad lib man ever. Vale.”
Blackman’s former Hey, Hey co-star Livinia Nixon said she would miss him “Terribly”.
“We will all miss you terribly, Blackers. Your warm voice that delivered hilarious one-liners, amazing stories and heartfelt advice,” Nixon said.
“You took me under your wing when I started on Hey Hey, and surrounded all of us with laughter, cheekiness and kindness.
“Thanks for the giggles. It was always fun.”
