Wombat and Hey Hey It’s Saturday TV legend Fiona MacDonald passes away
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The Australian entertainment industry is mourning the loss of one of its brightest stars, Fiona MacDonald, who passed away after a ‘very tough’ battle with motor neurone disease (MND).
Known for her vivacious personality and her significant contributions to Australian television, Fiona's death has left a void in the hearts of many who grew up watching her on their screens.
Fiona MacDonald became a household name in the 1980s as the host of the beloved children's program Wombat, where she shared the stage with the cheeky puppet Agro.
Her charm and wit also graced the gameshow It’s A Knockout, captivating audiences with her engaging presence.
Beyond her own shows, Fiona was connected to another iconic Australian TV program, Hey Hey It’s Saturday, through her sister, Jacki MacDonald, who was also a host on the show.
Her battle with MND, a progressive neurological condition that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, began with a diagnosis in 2021.
Despite the challenges of the disease, which progressively impairs the ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe, Fiona remained a beacon of strength and courage.
She even lent her voice to the FightMND cause, appearing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground alongside Neale Daniher in June to raise awareness and funds for research into the disease.
In a poignant and self-penned final social media post, Fiona shared the serenity of her last moments, surrounded by her loving sister Kylie and her sons.
‘Last night brought an end to a very tough few months,’ she said.
‘Was very peaceful, the boys and Kylie stayed with me to say goodbye. While I’ve never wanted to die, the thought of leaving my tortured body was a relief.’
She also mentioned that she was unable to swallow normal food, and her stomach couldn’t tolerate protein drinks when she was tube-fed.
‘It went straight in and straight out,’ she said.
Her journey with MND, marked by her characteristic ‘black humour’, eventually gave way to despair, highlighting the cruel nature of the disease for which there is no known cure.
‘I made the decision after much soul searching to cease all medical supports and finally go into hospital for end-of-life palliative care,’ she said.
The outpouring of tributes to Fiona MacDonald has been overwhelming, with fans and colleagues alike sharing their memories and expressing their sorrow.
‘What a spectacular human you were here on this planet!’ Sculptor Cybele Rowe said.
‘I’m sure there is something fabulously entertaining on the other side, and you’re just joining in the groove.’.
‘Shine on Sista, Like the moon, the stars and the Sun. Big love to all your loving family.’
Credit: @fionafinewines / Instagram
Television presenter Shelly Horton offered a heartfelt 'Rest easy lovely Fi. You are missed already.’
Fans like Cliff Dickinson reminisced about Fiona's infectious laughter, saying, ‘I will always miss Fiona’s laughter from it’s a knockout RIP.’
‘This hits hard, Kylie. Your sister was very brave. But you and her boys were awfully brave too - how hard it must have been to say goodbye,’ Donna McCart said.
‘Fiona has taught everyone how to face illness with dignity, grace, humour, spirit, daring….I’d say Rest in Peace, but it doesn’t seem to fit her.’
While we say goodbye to a legend, her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who will come to know her through the stories shared by a nation that loved her.
To our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, we extend our deepest sympathies to Fiona MacDonald's family, friends, and fans.
Known for her vivacious personality and her significant contributions to Australian television, Fiona's death has left a void in the hearts of many who grew up watching her on their screens.
Fiona MacDonald became a household name in the 1980s as the host of the beloved children's program Wombat, where she shared the stage with the cheeky puppet Agro.
Her charm and wit also graced the gameshow It’s A Knockout, captivating audiences with her engaging presence.
TV legend Fiona MacDonald has passed away after battling with motor neurone disease. Credit: @fionafinewines / Instagram
Beyond her own shows, Fiona was connected to another iconic Australian TV program, Hey Hey It’s Saturday, through her sister, Jacki MacDonald, who was also a host on the show.
Her battle with MND, a progressive neurological condition that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, began with a diagnosis in 2021.
Despite the challenges of the disease, which progressively impairs the ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe, Fiona remained a beacon of strength and courage.
She even lent her voice to the FightMND cause, appearing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground alongside Neale Daniher in June to raise awareness and funds for research into the disease.
In a poignant and self-penned final social media post, Fiona shared the serenity of her last moments, surrounded by her loving sister Kylie and her sons.
‘Last night brought an end to a very tough few months,’ she said.
‘Was very peaceful, the boys and Kylie stayed with me to say goodbye. While I’ve never wanted to die, the thought of leaving my tortured body was a relief.’
She also mentioned that she was unable to swallow normal food, and her stomach couldn’t tolerate protein drinks when she was tube-fed.
‘It went straight in and straight out,’ she said.
Her journey with MND, marked by her characteristic ‘black humour’, eventually gave way to despair, highlighting the cruel nature of the disease for which there is no known cure.
‘I made the decision after much soul searching to cease all medical supports and finally go into hospital for end-of-life palliative care,’ she said.
The outpouring of tributes to Fiona MacDonald has been overwhelming, with fans and colleagues alike sharing their memories and expressing their sorrow.
‘What a spectacular human you were here on this planet!’ Sculptor Cybele Rowe said.
‘I’m sure there is something fabulously entertaining on the other side, and you’re just joining in the groove.’.
‘Shine on Sista, Like the moon, the stars and the Sun. Big love to all your loving family.’
Credit: @fionafinewines / Instagram
Television presenter Shelly Horton offered a heartfelt 'Rest easy lovely Fi. You are missed already.’
Fans like Cliff Dickinson reminisced about Fiona's infectious laughter, saying, ‘I will always miss Fiona’s laughter from it’s a knockout RIP.’
‘This hits hard, Kylie. Your sister was very brave. But you and her boys were awfully brave too - how hard it must have been to say goodbye,’ Donna McCart said.
‘Fiona has taught everyone how to face illness with dignity, grace, humour, spirit, daring….I’d say Rest in Peace, but it doesn’t seem to fit her.’
While we say goodbye to a legend, her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who will come to know her through the stories shared by a nation that loved her.
