The family of Johnny Young, the beloved host of Young Talent Time, has shared the sad news that he has died.
He was 79 years old when he passed away from pancreatic cancer, as reported by Nine.
“Johnny was the creator, host, and producer of the much-loved television show Young Talent Time. He wrote and produced many iconic hit songs, including The Real Thing and Smily,” the statement read.
“Johnny leaves behind his wife Marisha, sister Cornelia, daughters Anna and Fleur, son Craig (dec.), seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. The family respectfully asks for privacy during this difficult time.”
No memorial services have been confirmed. However, the statement said details would be announced soon.
Johnny’s son Craig, from his first marriage to Jane (who also died from leukaemia in her 20s), also died tragically from pancreatic cancer in 2014 at just 48 years old.
Tributes to the late musician and host have already started coming out. Including live on air at Today Extra when host David Campbell called Johnny Young an “incredible early pop star” and a “pioneer” of Australian music.
Born Johnny Benjamin Arthur de Jong in Rotterdam in 1947, Johnny moved to Perth as a child. He became a pop star in the 1960s, performing with bands and as a solo artist. He even toured with The Rolling Stones and supported Roy Orbison.
He had his own hit songs, including “Step Back”, but his biggest contribution to Australian music came as a songwriter. He wrote “The Real Thing”, which became a No. 1 hit for Russell Morris, as well as “Smiley” for Ronnie Burns – both of which his family called out in their statement.
In 1971, he co-created Young Talent Time. He hosted the show for its entire original 18-year run, from 1971 to 1988, appearing alongside a constantly changing group of young performers known as the Young Talent Team.
It was a Saturday-night family TV institution for Australians and helped kickstart the careers of numerous Australian icons from Tina Arena to Dannii Minogue.
“Like many Aussies my age, I grew up watching Young Talent Time,” said Tiffany Dunk, deputy editor of The Weekly and host of the Love Stories podcast. “Like plenty of viewers, I had a crush on Beven, still remember Kylie Minogue’s appearance as “sister of Dannii” and at the end of each episode would sing ‘All My Loving’ along with Johnny as he wished each of his talented cast members good night.”
“He was the glue of a show that shaped some extraordinary careers as well as being the fabric of my childhood. What a magical man who will be missed by millions of us around the country.”
He was an ARIA Hall of Fame member and was inducted into the TV Week Logies Hall of Fame in 1990, recognising his sustained contribution to Australian television.
Vale Johnny Young.
