Australian television has been graced by extraordinary talents over the years, and the prestigious Gold Logie award has served as a shining symbol of their remarkable achievements. As we remember the stars who have since passed, we pay homage to their contributions to the industry and the lasting impact they've had on our screens and in our hearts.

In memoriam: Australian Gold Logie winners

Graham Kennedy AO | 15 February 1934 - 25 May 2005

• 6 Gold Logies: 1959, 1960, 1967, 1969, 1974, and 1978.

Graham Kennedy, affectionately known as the "King of Australian Television," was the trailblazer who took the inaugural Gold Logie back in 1959 (first named, TV Week Awards' Star of the Year). Best known for his quick wit, irreverent humour, Kennedy became an indomitable force on shows like In Melbourne Tonight and Blankety Blanks. Along with his trusty sidekick Bert Newton and a talented cast of comedians, Kennedy revolutionised live sketch comedy in Australia. Graham Kennedy passed away in 2005, aged 71.

Bob Dyer OBE | 22 May 1909 - 9 January 1984

• 2 Gold Logie: 1961 and 1971, a special one awarded to him and Dolly to mark their 15 year contribution to the industry.

Bob Dyer, a Gold Logie winner in 1961, was a beloved figure in the world of Australian television game shows. Hosting the iconic show Pick-a-Box, he became a household name with his infectious personality and humour. His contributions to the genre made him a fan favourite, and alongside his wife, Dolly, they were the most recognized double act in Australia during the 1960s. Here's a fun fact: besides performing, the pair were big-game fishermen and, between them, broke 50 world records and 150 Australian records. Bob Dyer passed away in 1984, aged 74.

Lorrae Desmond AM, MBE | 2 October 1929 - 23 May 2021

• 1 Gold Logie: 1962

Lorrae Desmond's was the first woman ever to take home a Gold Logie in 1962. The win celebrated her exceptional talent as a singer, presenter, playwright and actress. In a career spanning more than 55 years, she became a beloved figure through her work on The Lorrae Desmond Show, Homicide, Number 96, and none more so than her iconic role as nurse Shirley Gilroy in A Country Practice. Lorrae Desmond's passing in 2021, aged 91 was mourned by fans who admired her golden voice and warm personality.

Tommy Hanlon Jr. | 14 August 1923 - 9 October 2003

• 1 Gold Logie: 1962

Tommy Hanlon was an American-born actor, comedian, television host and circus ringmaster, notable for his career in Australia after emigrating there in 1959. Hanlon was prominent in early daytime television appearances and as host of the Australian version of the United States game show, It Could Be You. His work on The Tommy Hanlon Show and The Mavis Bramston Show showcased his musical prowess and comedic flair, and his Gold Logie win in 1962 recognised his impressive talent as an entertainer. Tommy Hanlon passed away in 2003, aged 80.

Bobby Limb AO, OBE | 10 November 1924 - 11 September 1999

• 1 Gold Logie: 1964

Bobby Limb was an Australian-born entertainment pioneer, comedian, bandleader and musician, a legend of radio, television and theatre in the 1960s and 1970s. His Gold Logie win in 1964 celebrated his outstanding contributions as a dancer and entertainer. His most successful shows were hosting The Bobby Limb Show and Bobby Limb's The Sound of Music, where he brought joy and energy to Australian screens. Bobby Limb passed away in 1999, aged 74.

Jimmy Hannan - 25 August 1934 - 7 January 2019

• 1 Gold Logie: 1965

Jimmy Hannan was a television pioneer, known for his appearances on In Melbourne Tonight and hosting his own musical variety show, Jimmy (later renamed Tonight with Jimmy Hannan). He also hosted the music show Saturday Date from 1963 to 1967, featuring performers like Billy Thorpe and Olivia Newton-John. Jimmy Hannan's Gold Logie win in 1965 recognised his versatility as an all-round performer. Jimmy Hannan passed away in 2019, aged 84.

Gordon Chater AM | 6 April 1922 - 12 December 1999

• 1 Gold Logie: 1966

Gordon Chater was known for his comedic brilliance and memorable on screen performances as Ted Bullpitt in Kingswood Country. Bringing laughter and joy to millions of viewers, his Gold Logie win in 1966 celebrated his overall talent as an actor and entertainer. Gordon Chater passed away in 1999, aged 77.

Brian Henderson AM | 15 September 1931 - 5 August 2021

• 1 Gold Logie: 1968

Brian Henderson, a Gold Logie winner in 1968, was a New Zealand-born Australian TV pioneer. Known for his work as a news anchor on the Nine Network in Sydney and as the presenter of the variety show Bandstand, he served as a newsreader for TCN-9 Sydney for an impressive 45 years, from 1957 to 2002. As the anchor of Nine News for many years, he became a familiar and respected face in living rooms across the country. Brian Henderson passed away in 2021, aged 89.

Dolly Dyer MBE | 5 June 1921 - 25 December 2004

• 1 Gold Logie: 1971

Dolly Dyer's Special Gold Logie win, "in recognition of their contribution to Australian TV," celebrated her outstanding work as the queen of daytime television. Hosting The Dolly Show and The Dolly and Jack Show, she became a beloved figure in households across Australia. As mentioned above, Dolly and her husband Bob enjoyed deep-sea fishing and broke several records together. After Bob's passing in 1984, Dolly embraced dancing and won medals for her performances. Dolly Dyer passed away in 2004, aged 83.

Pat McDonald | 1 August 1921 - 10 March 1990

• 1 Gold Logie: 1974

Patricia McDonald, a radio, stage, and TV actor, was the first female character actor to win the Gold Logie for the serial Number 96. After her role in Number 96, she appeared in the Australian sitcom The Tea Ladies (1978) and participated in a production number called "Golden Girls" at the 1989 Logie Awards, celebrating past female Gold Logie winners. She performed alongside Lorrae Desmond, Hazel Phillips, Denise Drysdale, Jeanne Little and Rowena Wallace. Pat McDonald passed away in 1990, aged 68.

Ernie Sigley | 2 September 1938 - 15 August 2021

• 1 Gold Logie: 1975

Ernie Sigley was fondly remembered for his warm personality and entertaining presence. Often styled as a "little Aussie battler" with a larrikin sense of humour, his Gold Logie win recognised his exceptional talent as a charming television host. From The Ernie Sigley Show to Wheel of Fortune, he became a household name, endearing himself to viewers across Australia. Ernie Sigley passed away in 2021, aged 82.

Norman Gunston | First appearance 1973 (The Aunty Jack Show) - Last appearance 1993 (The Norman Gunston Show)

• 1 Gold Logie: 1976

Norman Gunston, a satirical TV character, was brought to life by Australian actor and comedian Garry McDonald. Being the only Gold Logie-winning fictional character on Australian television, McDonald earned the 1976 Gold Logie and the George Wallace Memorial Logie for Best New Talent while in character as Norman Gunston. His iconic character, a bumbling and clueless interviewer, captivated the nation's imagination and had audiences rolling on the floor with laughter and stitches.

Don Lane | 13 November 1933 - 22 October 2009

• 1 Gold Logie: 1977

Don Lane, a Gold Logie winner, was a multi-talented entertainer who conquered both the television and music worlds. Hosting The Don Lane Show, he brought laughter and joy to audiences across the country. His passing in 2009 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of entertainment and showmanship.

Jeanne Little OAM | 11 May 1938 - 7 November 2020

• 1 Gold Logie: 1977

Born Jeanne Mitchell, Jeanne Little was an Australian entertainer, comedy icon, and television personality. Her first success on television was on The Mike Walsh Show, where she won the Gold Logie award in 1977 (a dual honor that year with Don Lane winning as Best Male Personality). She also appeared on shows like Midday with Ray Martin and GMA with Bert Newton and was a regular panel celebrity on the Beauty and the Beast talk show with Stan Zemanek and Doug Mulray. Jeanne was well known for her flamboyant outfits, over-the-top personality, and her trademark catchphrase, "Oh Dahling." Jeanne Little passed away in 2020, aged 82.

Bert Newton AM MBE | 23 July 1938 - 30 October 2021

• 4 Gold Logies: 1979, 1981, 1982, 1984

Bert Newton, a 4 time Gold Logie winner, was a beloved Australian television figure. Hosting iconic shows like The Graham Kennedy Show and Good Morning Australia, he became a household name with his infectious personality and humour. His contributions to the industry made him a fan favourite, admired by audiences across the nation. Bert's story was synonymous with Australian television, but also of trust, warmth and loyalty. His ability to laugh at himself made him even more endearing to three-generations of Australians.

As we pay tribute to these Gold Logie winners who have left us, we also celebrate the countless moments of joy, laughter and emotion they brought to the screens and our lives.

Rest in peace, may each of your memories forever be cherished in the hearts of fans and Australian television history.

By Kirsten Jakubenko

Sources:  

• https://www.mytributes.com.au/article/australian-stories/tribute-graham-kennedy/4533985/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Dyer 
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorrae_Desmond 
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Limb
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Hannan  h
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Chater  h
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Henderson_(television_presenter)   
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_McDonald_(actress) 
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernie_Sigley 
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Gunston
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Lane
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanne_Little
• https://www.mytributes.com.au/article/australian-stories/tribute-bert-newton/4485304/