Remembering the lives of Aussie TV pioneers Janet Kingsbury (85) and Pastor Clark Taylor (87)
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Australia lost two trailblazers in the television industry.
One is The Land Down Under's most cherished children's entertainers.
Meanwhile, the other touched many Aussies' lives as the first evangelical figure that graced the TV screens.
Veteran Play School presenter Janet Kingsbury passed away at the age of 85.
Janet's passing left a void in the hearts of many who grew up watching her on ABC.
Janet Kingsbury's journey began in 1968 with a guest appearance in the famous kids' series Skippy the Bush Kangaroo.
Her talent and charisma quickly caught the attention of audiences and producers, which led to her long-standing role in Play School from 1969 to 1986.
With her teddy bear co-stars by her side, Janet became a household name.
Her energy and enthusiasm became a comforting and familiar presence in living rooms across the nation.
Janet graced several television programs throughout her career, including guest appearances in A Country Practice, Home and Away, GP, and All Saints.
Janet appeared on the TV screens for the last time in 2016 on Channel Nine's Doctor Doctor.
Yet Janet's contributions to Australian television went beyond her on-screen roles.
She married Australian filmmaker Arch Nicholson, the director behind several episodes of Mission: Impossible and The Flying Doctors.
Together, they created the 1987 cult film Dark Age, which showcased more of Janet's acting chops.
Despite her public persona, Janet Kingsbury was a private individual.
Her marriage to Nicholson lasted from 1972 until his untimely death in 1990.
The news of Janet's passing comes as a shock, especially after the passing of her fellow Play School veteran, Ken Shorter.
Their passing became a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the impact they have had on generations of Australians.
Play School, which has been on the air for over 58 years, has seen around 100 presenters, but few have left as indelible a mark as Janet Kingsbury.
Australian TV has seen many charismatic figures, but few have had a profound impact on the nation's spiritual life, as Pastor Clark Taylor, Australia's first TV evangelist.
Pastor Taylor's passing at the age of 87 marked the end of an era for many of his followers.
Taylor's career came to an end amidst a personal scandal, leaving a complex legacy behind.
Clark Taylor's journey to becoming a household name began in the 1960s after graduating from Bible College.
With a passion for preaching and a magnetic personality, he founded the Christian Outreach Centre in Brisbane alongside his wife, Anne.
His dynamic and energetic approach to spreading the word of God caught the attention of Channel Nine producers.
Later on, the network offered him a platform that would change the course of his life—his own Christian talk show, New Way of Living.
From 1977 to 1980, Taylor's show became a staple in Australian homes, blending religious teachings with an upbeat format that resonated with viewers.
His connection with the audience helped him grow his ministry from a modest church in Brisbane to a global network with over 1600 locations in 30 countries.
Taylor became one of the country's most high-profile preachers as he shaped the religious landscape of Australia.
However, Taylor's shining career was not without its shadows.
Back in 1990, Taylor was embroiled in a scandal that shocked his followers.
The man who preached about faith and fidelity had an affair with his secretary.
The widespread scandal led to his resignation from the church he had built.
Despite the controversy, Taylor's impact on the Christian community cannot be understated.
The International Network of Churches described him as 'a true pioneer, a visionary leader, and a man of deep faith who dedicated his life to building a movement that continues to impact lives across the world'.
Taylor is survived by his wife Anne and daughters Robyn and Linda.
His family and followers remembered a man who, despite his failings, inspired many with his dedication to his faith.
His daughter Robyn's statement upon his passing highlighted the personal strength and kindness he displayed, even in the face of illness and pain.
She reflected on the loss of their 'cheerleader and greatest encourager' but also expressed thankfulness for the years they had with him.
As we look back on the lives of Janet Kingsbury and Pastor Clark Taylor, may we remember them as icons who shaped Australian media in their unique ways.
May they rest in peace.
One is The Land Down Under's most cherished children's entertainers.
Meanwhile, the other touched many Aussies' lives as the first evangelical figure that graced the TV screens.
Veteran Play School presenter Janet Kingsbury passed away at the age of 85.
Janet's passing left a void in the hearts of many who grew up watching her on ABC.
Janet Kingsbury's journey began in 1968 with a guest appearance in the famous kids' series Skippy the Bush Kangaroo.
Janet Kingsbury (left) with John Waters (centre) in ABC's Play School. Image Credit: IMDb
Her talent and charisma quickly caught the attention of audiences and producers, which led to her long-standing role in Play School from 1969 to 1986.
With her teddy bear co-stars by her side, Janet became a household name.
Her energy and enthusiasm became a comforting and familiar presence in living rooms across the nation.
Janet graced several television programs throughout her career, including guest appearances in A Country Practice, Home and Away, GP, and All Saints.
Janet appeared on the TV screens for the last time in 2016 on Channel Nine's Doctor Doctor.
Yet Janet's contributions to Australian television went beyond her on-screen roles.
She married Australian filmmaker Arch Nicholson, the director behind several episodes of Mission: Impossible and The Flying Doctors.
Together, they created the 1987 cult film Dark Age, which showcased more of Janet's acting chops.
Despite her public persona, Janet Kingsbury was a private individual.
Her marriage to Nicholson lasted from 1972 until his untimely death in 1990.
The news of Janet's passing comes as a shock, especially after the passing of her fellow Play School veteran, Ken Shorter.
Their passing became a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the impact they have had on generations of Australians.
Play School, which has been on the air for over 58 years, has seen around 100 presenters, but few have left as indelible a mark as Janet Kingsbury.
Australian TV has seen many charismatic figures, but few have had a profound impact on the nation's spiritual life, as Pastor Clark Taylor, Australia's first TV evangelist.
Pastor Taylor's passing at the age of 87 marked the end of an era for many of his followers.
Taylor's career came to an end amidst a personal scandal, leaving a complex legacy behind.
Pastor Clark Taylor was a revered man in the evangelical community. Image Credit: Facebook/Robyn Taylor
Clark Taylor's journey to becoming a household name began in the 1960s after graduating from Bible College.
With a passion for preaching and a magnetic personality, he founded the Christian Outreach Centre in Brisbane alongside his wife, Anne.
His dynamic and energetic approach to spreading the word of God caught the attention of Channel Nine producers.
Later on, the network offered him a platform that would change the course of his life—his own Christian talk show, New Way of Living.
From 1977 to 1980, Taylor's show became a staple in Australian homes, blending religious teachings with an upbeat format that resonated with viewers.
His connection with the audience helped him grow his ministry from a modest church in Brisbane to a global network with over 1600 locations in 30 countries.
Taylor became one of the country's most high-profile preachers as he shaped the religious landscape of Australia.
However, Taylor's shining career was not without its shadows.
Back in 1990, Taylor was embroiled in a scandal that shocked his followers.
The man who preached about faith and fidelity had an affair with his secretary.
The widespread scandal led to his resignation from the church he had built.
Despite the controversy, Taylor's impact on the Christian community cannot be understated.
The International Network of Churches described him as 'a true pioneer, a visionary leader, and a man of deep faith who dedicated his life to building a movement that continues to impact lives across the world'.
Taylor is survived by his wife Anne and daughters Robyn and Linda.
His family and followers remembered a man who, despite his failings, inspired many with his dedication to his faith.
His daughter Robyn's statement upon his passing highlighted the personal strength and kindness he displayed, even in the face of illness and pain.
She reflected on the loss of their 'cheerleader and greatest encourager' but also expressed thankfulness for the years they had with him.
May they rest in peace.
