Comedy genius behind The Bert Newton Show and Tonight Live With Steve Vizard passes away
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The Australian entertainment industry has lost one of its brightest stars with the passing of legendary comedy writer Mike McColl-Jones at the age of 86.
Known for his sharp wit and an uncanny ability to capture the Australian spirit in his writing, McColl-Jones was a pivotal figure in what many consider the 'golden age' of Australian television comedy.
The writer, known for his work with comedy legend Graham Kennedy, passed away on March 11 after a brief illness.
Born on August 12, 1937, in Melbourne, McColl-Jones began his illustrious career as a writer for the iconic In Melbourne Tonight show, hosted by Kennedy.
This partnership would flourish over two decades, with McColl-Jones’ talent for crafting one-liners and skits that resonated with audiences across the nation.
His work extended beyond his collaboration with Kennedy, as he became a key creative force behind several other landmark Australian TV shows, including The Don Lane Show and Tonight Live With Steve Vizard.
His association with Bert Newton was also notable, contributing to the success of Tonight With Bert Newton and The Bert Newton Show.
Newton himself once lauded McColl Jones’ unparalleled skill in writing personality material and one-liners, declaring him 'simply without peer.'
McColl-Jones had a profound influence on Australian television comedy. He wrote thousands of jokes for variety shows, which entertained and provided humour on the social and political landscape of the time.
His ability to make people laugh in the comfort of their own homes was a rare gift that he shared generously throughout his 40-year career.
His talent and contributions were recognised in 2017 when he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his 'service to the performing arts as a comedy writer for television' as part of the annual Queen's Birthday Honours list.
This accolade was a testament to his impact on the performing arts and the joy he brought to millions of Australians.
The news of McColl-Jones’ passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from fans, friends, and colleagues.
Entertainment reporter Peter Ford reminisced about McColl Jones’ sharp mental acuity and significant contributions to Australian television on Melbourne talk station 3AW.
TV presenter and film producer Steve Vizard penned a heartfelt obituary, writing:
‘Mike McColl Jones was a gentle, imaginative man who was a direct, vital, unbroken link to the age of vaudeville and the Tivoli greats, through the glorious era of radio, through the golden age of television when television was the only game in town and half the nation watched last night's shows, through cable television and the dawn of the new millennium, to the age of streaming and digital media.’
He added: ‘It is a rare thing to make someone laugh, particularly in the solitude of their living room, but Mike succeeded for 40 years, and in so doing not only gifted our nation a laugh track but compellingly charted the daily ebbs and flows and absurdities of our nation's unfolding journey.’
One fan posted on social media said: ‘You have almost certainly heard a Mike McColl Jones joke even if you didn't know it. [Rest in peace].’
‘RIP Mike McColl Jones. Funny as a fit and a brilliant bloke. One of my favourites was after a bad flight on Continental Airlines, Mike wrote a letter to them advising them “to stick to making soup”. Thoughts with Tim and Catherine, and the grandkids,’ another expressed.
Mike McColl-Jones's legacy is one of laughter, creativity, and an enduring influence on Australian comedy.
Before he passed, he penned a brief message that was published on the letters page of The Daily Telegraph:
As we reflect on his life and work, we are reminded of the countless moments of joy he brought into every living room, the smiles he put on everyone’s faces, and the laughter that echoed through every Aussies home.
His was a life well-lived, full of laughter and light, and his memory will continue to inspire future generations of comedians and writers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Known for his sharp wit and an uncanny ability to capture the Australian spirit in his writing, McColl-Jones was a pivotal figure in what many consider the 'golden age' of Australian television comedy.
The writer, known for his work with comedy legend Graham Kennedy, passed away on March 11 after a brief illness.
Born on August 12, 1937, in Melbourne, McColl-Jones began his illustrious career as a writer for the iconic In Melbourne Tonight show, hosted by Kennedy.
McColl-Jones passed away at the age of 86. Image source: @RezaPars/X (Twitter)
This partnership would flourish over two decades, with McColl-Jones’ talent for crafting one-liners and skits that resonated with audiences across the nation.
His work extended beyond his collaboration with Kennedy, as he became a key creative force behind several other landmark Australian TV shows, including The Don Lane Show and Tonight Live With Steve Vizard.
His association with Bert Newton was also notable, contributing to the success of Tonight With Bert Newton and The Bert Newton Show.
Newton himself once lauded McColl Jones’ unparalleled skill in writing personality material and one-liners, declaring him 'simply without peer.'
McColl-Jones had a profound influence on Australian television comedy. He wrote thousands of jokes for variety shows, which entertained and provided humour on the social and political landscape of the time.
McColl Jones (left) worked with comedian Graham Kennedy (right). Image source: @tvtonightau/X (Twitter)
His ability to make people laugh in the comfort of their own homes was a rare gift that he shared generously throughout his 40-year career.
His talent and contributions were recognised in 2017 when he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his 'service to the performing arts as a comedy writer for television' as part of the annual Queen's Birthday Honours list.
This accolade was a testament to his impact on the performing arts and the joy he brought to millions of Australians.
The news of McColl-Jones’ passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from fans, friends, and colleagues.
Entertainment reporter Peter Ford reminisced about McColl Jones’ sharp mental acuity and significant contributions to Australian television on Melbourne talk station 3AW.
TV presenter and film producer Steve Vizard penned a heartfelt obituary, writing:
‘Mike McColl Jones was a gentle, imaginative man who was a direct, vital, unbroken link to the age of vaudeville and the Tivoli greats, through the glorious era of radio, through the golden age of television when television was the only game in town and half the nation watched last night's shows, through cable television and the dawn of the new millennium, to the age of streaming and digital media.’
He added: ‘It is a rare thing to make someone laugh, particularly in the solitude of their living room, but Mike succeeded for 40 years, and in so doing not only gifted our nation a laugh track but compellingly charted the daily ebbs and flows and absurdities of our nation's unfolding journey.’
One fan posted on social media said: ‘You have almost certainly heard a Mike McColl Jones joke even if you didn't know it. [Rest in peace].’
‘RIP Mike McColl Jones. Funny as a fit and a brilliant bloke. One of my favourites was after a bad flight on Continental Airlines, Mike wrote a letter to them advising them “to stick to making soup”. Thoughts with Tim and Catherine, and the grandkids,’ another expressed.
Mike McColl-Jones's legacy is one of laughter, creativity, and an enduring influence on Australian comedy.
Before he passed, he penned a brief message that was published on the letters page of The Daily Telegraph:
McColl Jones’ letter. Image source: Joyful Memorials & Funerals/Facebook
As we reflect on his life and work, we are reminded of the countless moments of joy he brought into every living room, the smiles he put on everyone’s faces, and the laughter that echoed through every Aussies home.
His was a life well-lived, full of laughter and light, and his memory will continue to inspire future generations of comedians and writers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
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RIP - Mike McColl-Jones OAM.
And thank you for the laughs!
