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Tributes to Australian radio and television star John Blackman, whose death was announced Wednesday after a long battle with cancer.
Blackman’s colleagues from the hit varyhey 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 for making people laugh, especially me,” Darryl Sommers told ABC.
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The Hey Hey It’s Saturday host said he was ‘devastated’ by the death of such a ‘dear friend’.
“He used to say his mission at Hey Hey was to crack me up, and sometimes I was crying with uncontrollable laughter,” Somers said.
“Unfortunately, I’m just crying today.”
Blackman, 76, began his radio career working in Goulburn, Melbourne and Canberra before moving into television, 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 in Hey Hey, It’s Saturday!
Channel 7 entertainment reporter Peter Ford said Australia would be a “sadder place” without him.
“John was an amazing man. He’s been fighting a tremendous battle with cancer in recent years,” Ford said.
“He was a beautiful performer on radio and television.”
Veteran media personality and former Senator Derrin Hinch paid tribute to Blackman at X (formerly Twitter).
“Shocked and saddened by John Blackman’s death, he dealt with his illnesses so bravely,” Hinch said.
“We had massive arguments but he was the fastest ad lib guy ever. It’s okay.
Blackman’s former Hey Hey co-star Livinia Nixon said she will be missed “Terribly.”
“We will all miss you terribly, Blackers. Your warm voice delivered funny one-liners, amazing stories and heartfelt advice,” Nixon said.
“You took me under your wing when I started at Hey Hey and surrounded us all with laughter, sass and kindness.
“Thanks for the giggles. It was always fun.”
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