TV legend John Blackman (76) and football commentator Ross Booth (72) pass away
- Replies 4
Australia has lost one of its most cherished television icons, John Blackman, whose wit and warmth brought laughter to millions over the decades.
Known for his quick humour and distinctive voice, particularly as the cheeky Dickie Knee on Hey Hey It's Saturday, Blackman's passing has left a void in the hearts of fans and colleagues alike.
John Blackman's journey in the entertainment industry began in radio, where his talent for engaging audiences quickly became apparent.
His voice graced the airwaves of Goulburn, Melbourne, and Canberra, setting the stage for a transition to television that would see him become a household name.
His versatility shone through as he lent his talents to various shows, including Blankety Blanks, The Paul Hogan Show, and Family Feud. Yet, it was his role on Hey Hey It's Saturday that cemented his status as a beloved Australian TV icon.
Daryl Somers, the host of Hey Hey It's Saturday, expressed his profound loss, remembering Blackman not just as a colleague but as a beloved friend whose mission was to bring joy and laughter.
‘He had a God-given talent to make people laugh, especially me,’ Somers said.
‘He used to say his mission on Hey Hey was to break me up, and at times, I’d be crying with uncontrollable laughter. Sadly, today, I’m just crying.’
The news of Blackman's passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow media personalities.
Channel 7's entertainment reporter Peter Ford remarked on the ‘sadder place’ of Australia without Blackman's presence.
‘John was an incredible man. In the past years, he has put up a huge cancer fight,’ Ford said.
‘He was a beautiful performer on radio and television.’
Veteran media figure Derryn Hinch acknowledged Blackman's bravery in the face of illness and his unmatched quick wit.
‘Shocked and saddened by the death of John Blackman, he handled his illnesses so bravely,’ Hinch said.
‘We had some huge rows, but he was the fastest ad lib man ever. Vale.’
Livinia Nixon, Blackman's former co-star on Hey Hey, shared a touching tribute, saying she would miss him ‘terribly’.
‘We will all miss you terribly, Blackers. Your warm voice that delivered hilarious one-liners, amazing stories and heartfelt advice,’ Nixon said.
‘You took me under your wing when I started on Hey Hey, and surrounded all of us with laughter, cheekiness and kindness.’
‘Thanks for the giggles. It was always fun.’
You can watch 9 News Australia's tribute below:
Credit: 9 News Australia / YouTube
Meanwhile, the Australian football community is mourning the loss of a true icon, Ross Booth, who passed away at 72.
His voice, synonymous with the passion and excitement of the game, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and players alike.
Ross Booth's journey through Australian Rules Football was as remarkable as his commentary. His career spanned several decades, during which he became a beloved figure for his insightful and vibrant calls of the game.
Phil Cleary, a Victorian Football Association (VFA) and Coburg legend, shared the sad news on social media, reflecting on the years they worked together at the ABC covering VFA and VFL games.
‘Sad news,’ Cleary wrote.
‘I’ve said many times that Peter Gee and Ross Booth’s calls of VFA grand finals on ABC TV were as good as any AFL grand final calls the commercial stations have produced.’
‘It’s sad to have to announce that I was advised this week by Ross’s sister that Ross had been found dead in his Toorak flat. The Toorak flat was a standing joke during our nearly 30 years calling VFA football from 1987 to 2014. I called him a toff, and he loved it.’
‘I spoke at his 60th birthday more than a decade ago, and we shared so many good times,’ Cleary continued.
‘As irony would have it, we first met when I was playing with Coburg Amateurs, and he was a tough midfielder with Monash Blues in the VAFA in the early 1970s.’
‘I will have more to say, but for now, let me just say he was an urbane scholar and great football person whose calls of football made him an institution in the football world. We’ll miss him.’
VAFA President Paul Newton said that Booth’s passing was ‘a sad day for the Association’.
‘Ross was admired as one of the competition’s stalwarts—both on the field, where he played over 100 games for both University Blacks and Monash University, and off the field where he was a board member for 25 years,’ Newton said.
‘Ross made an enormous contribution and his service was recognised with life membership of the Association in 2003. He will be fondly remembered by all those involved at the VAFA.’
‘On behalf of the VAFA Board, management and Association, we offer our deepest condolences to Ross’s family and friends.’
Veteran AFL journalist Rohan Connolly paid tribute to Booth, highlighting his skill and kindness as a journalist.
‘Apart from being a lovely bloke, Ross Booth was also for many years part of the Sunday Age’s VFA coverage and was terrific at his craft. RIP Ross,’ Connolly wrote.
Booth was a captain for the Blues and a two-time best-and-fairest winner in 1973-74. He also served as a VAFA Executive for 25 years and was awarded a VAFA life membership in 2006.
However, Booth's talents were not confined to the football field or the commentary box.
He also had a successful career at Melbourne newspaper The Age, where his sports coverage was highly regarded.
The Seniors Discount Club extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ross Booth and John Blackman.
May they rest in peace.
Known for his quick humour and distinctive voice, particularly as the cheeky Dickie Knee on Hey Hey It's Saturday, Blackman's passing has left a void in the hearts of fans and colleagues alike.
John Blackman's journey in the entertainment industry began in radio, where his talent for engaging audiences quickly became apparent.
His voice graced the airwaves of Goulburn, Melbourne, and Canberra, setting the stage for a transition to television that would see him become a household name.
His versatility shone through as he lent his talents to various shows, including Blankety Blanks, The Paul Hogan Show, and Family Feud. Yet, it was his role on Hey Hey It's Saturday that cemented his status as a beloved Australian TV icon.
Hey Hey It’s Saturday icon John Blackman and football commentator Ross Booth passed away. Credit: 9 News Australia / Youtube and VFL Rewind Radio Program / Facebook
Daryl Somers, the host of Hey Hey It's Saturday, expressed his profound loss, remembering Blackman not just as a colleague but as a beloved friend whose mission was to bring joy and laughter.
‘He had a God-given talent to make people laugh, especially me,’ Somers said.
‘He used to say his mission on Hey Hey was to break me up, and at times, I’d be crying with uncontrollable laughter. Sadly, today, I’m just crying.’
The news of Blackman's passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow media personalities.
Channel 7's entertainment reporter Peter Ford remarked on the ‘sadder place’ of Australia without Blackman's presence.
‘John was an incredible man. In the past years, he has put up a huge cancer fight,’ Ford said.
‘He was a beautiful performer on radio and television.’
Veteran media figure Derryn Hinch acknowledged Blackman's bravery in the face of illness and his unmatched quick wit.
‘Shocked and saddened by the death of John Blackman, he handled his illnesses so bravely,’ Hinch said.
‘We had some huge rows, but he was the fastest ad lib man ever. Vale.’
Livinia Nixon, Blackman's former co-star on Hey Hey, shared a touching tribute, saying she would miss him ‘terribly’.
‘We will all miss you terribly, Blackers. Your warm voice that delivered hilarious one-liners, amazing stories and heartfelt advice,’ Nixon said.
‘You took me under your wing when I started on Hey Hey, and surrounded all of us with laughter, cheekiness and kindness.’
‘Thanks for the giggles. It was always fun.’
You can watch 9 News Australia's tribute below:
Credit: 9 News Australia / YouTube
Meanwhile, the Australian football community is mourning the loss of a true icon, Ross Booth, who passed away at 72.
His voice, synonymous with the passion and excitement of the game, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and players alike.
Ross Booth's journey through Australian Rules Football was as remarkable as his commentary. His career spanned several decades, during which he became a beloved figure for his insightful and vibrant calls of the game.
Phil Cleary, a Victorian Football Association (VFA) and Coburg legend, shared the sad news on social media, reflecting on the years they worked together at the ABC covering VFA and VFL games.
‘Sad news,’ Cleary wrote.
‘I’ve said many times that Peter Gee and Ross Booth’s calls of VFA grand finals on ABC TV were as good as any AFL grand final calls the commercial stations have produced.’
‘It’s sad to have to announce that I was advised this week by Ross’s sister that Ross had been found dead in his Toorak flat. The Toorak flat was a standing joke during our nearly 30 years calling VFA football from 1987 to 2014. I called him a toff, and he loved it.’
Ross Booth (left) was known for his remarkable commentaries on football. Credit: @PaulAmy375 / Twitter
‘I spoke at his 60th birthday more than a decade ago, and we shared so many good times,’ Cleary continued.
‘As irony would have it, we first met when I was playing with Coburg Amateurs, and he was a tough midfielder with Monash Blues in the VAFA in the early 1970s.’
‘I will have more to say, but for now, let me just say he was an urbane scholar and great football person whose calls of football made him an institution in the football world. We’ll miss him.’
VAFA President Paul Newton said that Booth’s passing was ‘a sad day for the Association’.
‘Ross was admired as one of the competition’s stalwarts—both on the field, where he played over 100 games for both University Blacks and Monash University, and off the field where he was a board member for 25 years,’ Newton said.
‘Ross made an enormous contribution and his service was recognised with life membership of the Association in 2003. He will be fondly remembered by all those involved at the VAFA.’
‘On behalf of the VAFA Board, management and Association, we offer our deepest condolences to Ross’s family and friends.’
Veteran AFL journalist Rohan Connolly paid tribute to Booth, highlighting his skill and kindness as a journalist.
‘Apart from being a lovely bloke, Ross Booth was also for many years part of the Sunday Age’s VFA coverage and was terrific at his craft. RIP Ross,’ Connolly wrote.
Booth was a captain for the Blues and a two-time best-and-fairest winner in 1973-74. He also served as a VAFA Executive for 25 years and was awarded a VAFA life membership in 2006.
However, Booth's talents were not confined to the football field or the commentary box.
He also had a successful career at Melbourne newspaper The Age, where his sports coverage was highly regarded.
May they rest in peace.
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and thanks for the memories
