Childhood icon gone: Famous Aussie entertainer’s final moments will break your heart
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Australia has lost one of its most cherished children’s entertainers, with the passing of Michael Scheid at the age of 79.
For many of us, his gentle voice and playful spirit were a staple of our children’s (and grandchildren’s) early years, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of generations who grew up watching him bring stories and characters to life.
Michael Scheid, a true legend of the South Australian arts scene, died peacefully in Adelaide on August 6, surrounded by his loving family.
In a touching tribute, his daughter Cathy shared that he left this world to the sound of Ray Charles’ 'Hit the Road Jack'—a song he specifically requested for his final moments. It’s a fitting farewell for a man who brought so much music, laughter, and joy to others.
Scheid was best known as the voice and puppeteer behind Bookworm, the wise and whimsical character from Channel Seven’s beloved children’s program, The Book Place.
From 1991 to 2003, Bookworm was a fixture in Aussie households, encouraging kids to read, imagine, and dream. For many parents and grandparents, the show was a welcome reminder of the power of storytelling and the magic of childhood.
But Michael’s talents didn’t stop at puppetry. He was a versatile performer, equally at home on stage, screen, and in the heart of the community.
In the 1980s, he became a familiar face in Adelaide’s Rundle Mall, ringing in the day as the town crier—a role that perfectly suited his booming voice and infectious enthusiasm.
Scheid’s impact on the South Australian arts scene was profound. He was a regular on local theatre stages, including memorable turns with the Therry Dramatic Society and Mighty Good Productions.
In 1985, he donned the mane and tail of the Cowardly Lion in the Bunyip Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz, delighting audiences with his warmth and humour.
His love for classic cars was also well known—he was a regular participant in the Bay to Birdwood motoring event, proudly piloting his baby blue 1956 Morris Minor.
Whether he was behind the wheel or behind a puppet, Michael’s zest for life was unmistakable.
Michael’s connection to children’s arts continued well into his later years. From 1998 to 2022, he narrated performances for the Australian Classical Youth Ballet, often appearing alongside his beloved Bookworm character.
He also made appearances in Australian film and television, including the 2003 movie Travelling Light and the 1984 Channel Ten drama Carson’s Law.
His musical collaborator, Michael Mills, summed up what so many felt: 'When that face looked at you, you got to play with the crazy, remarkable, all manner of things... it was a wonder to behold. There’s a little less genius and heart in the world today.'
Above all, Michael Scheid was a devoted father to his daughters, Alice and Cathy, who were by his side in his final weeks.
Source: MediaTreasureTrove / Youtube.
In her heartfelt tribute, Cathy wrote, 'Anyone who knew dad knows he was one of a kind and never lost his childish enthusiasm. He had a huge impact on the emerging Arts and Theatre industry in South Australia and will be fondly remembered for the many characters he played.'
As we say goodbye to Michael Scheid, we remember not just the characters he played, but the joy he brought to so many. His legacy is woven into the fabric of Australian childhoods, and his influence on the arts community will be felt for years to come.
Read more: We grew up with his voice on the ABC—and now, we say goodbye together
Did you or your children grow up watching The Book Place or seeing Michael perform? Do you have a favourite memory of Bookworm or another of his characters? We’d love to hear your stories and tributes in the comments below!
For many of us, his gentle voice and playful spirit were a staple of our children’s (and grandchildren’s) early years, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of generations who grew up watching him bring stories and characters to life.
Michael Scheid, a true legend of the South Australian arts scene, died peacefully in Adelaide on August 6, surrounded by his loving family.
In a touching tribute, his daughter Cathy shared that he left this world to the sound of Ray Charles’ 'Hit the Road Jack'—a song he specifically requested for his final moments. It’s a fitting farewell for a man who brought so much music, laughter, and joy to others.
Scheid was best known as the voice and puppeteer behind Bookworm, the wise and whimsical character from Channel Seven’s beloved children’s program, The Book Place.
From 1991 to 2003, Bookworm was a fixture in Aussie households, encouraging kids to read, imagine, and dream. For many parents and grandparents, the show was a welcome reminder of the power of storytelling and the magic of childhood.
Legendary South Australian actor and puppeteer Michael Scheid has died aged 79 in Adelaide, with his family by his side after a long health battle. Image source: @larrikinpuppets / Instagram.
But Michael’s talents didn’t stop at puppetry. He was a versatile performer, equally at home on stage, screen, and in the heart of the community.
In the 1980s, he became a familiar face in Adelaide’s Rundle Mall, ringing in the day as the town crier—a role that perfectly suited his booming voice and infectious enthusiasm.
Scheid’s impact on the South Australian arts scene was profound. He was a regular on local theatre stages, including memorable turns with the Therry Dramatic Society and Mighty Good Productions.
In 1985, he donned the mane and tail of the Cowardly Lion in the Bunyip Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz, delighting audiences with his warmth and humour.
His love for classic cars was also well known—he was a regular participant in the Bay to Birdwood motoring event, proudly piloting his baby blue 1956 Morris Minor.
Whether he was behind the wheel or behind a puppet, Michael’s zest for life was unmistakable.
Michael’s connection to children’s arts continued well into his later years. From 1998 to 2022, he narrated performances for the Australian Classical Youth Ballet, often appearing alongside his beloved Bookworm character.
He also made appearances in Australian film and television, including the 2003 movie Travelling Light and the 1984 Channel Ten drama Carson’s Law.
His musical collaborator, Michael Mills, summed up what so many felt: 'When that face looked at you, you got to play with the crazy, remarkable, all manner of things... it was a wonder to behold. There’s a little less genius and heart in the world today.'
Above all, Michael Scheid was a devoted father to his daughters, Alice and Cathy, who were by his side in his final weeks.
Source: MediaTreasureTrove / Youtube.
In her heartfelt tribute, Cathy wrote, 'Anyone who knew dad knows he was one of a kind and never lost his childish enthusiasm. He had a huge impact on the emerging Arts and Theatre industry in South Australia and will be fondly remembered for the many characters he played.'
As we say goodbye to Michael Scheid, we remember not just the characters he played, but the joy he brought to so many. His legacy is woven into the fabric of Australian childhoods, and his influence on the arts community will be felt for years to come.
Read more: We grew up with his voice on the ABC—and now, we say goodbye together
Did you or your children grow up watching The Book Place or seeing Michael perform? Do you have a favourite memory of Bookworm or another of his characters? We’d love to hear your stories and tributes in the comments below!
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Michael Scheid
