Australian television icon Jimmy Hannan has died following a short battle with cancer. He was 84.
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The actor, singer and Gold Logie winner appeared in dozens of programs during a career that spanned more than 30 years, including as a host on game and variety shows in the 1960s and 1970s.
"He passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer," his daughter Emily Gillman told nine.com.au.
"He was 84 so he had a fantastic life."
Born and raised in Sydney's Surry Hills, Hannan first appeared on TV screens in 1956 - the year television was launched in Australia .
He spent seven years as host of the Nine Network's musical variety show Saturday Date, for which he won a Gold Logie as most popular television personality in 1965.
Hannan later went on to work on the Graham Kennedy show between 1972 and 1975.
Nine's Director of Television Michael Healy said the "much-loved" entertainer was famous for his huge smile and high-energy presentation.
"Jimmy was instantly recognisable and impossible not to like," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
"(He was) regarded as the friendliest host on television game shows from the early 1960s for many years. We all extend our sympathy to his family and friends at this sad time."
Hannan was also a singer and performer, releasing his single Beach Ball in 1964 which featured the Bee Gees on back-up vocals, according to the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.
He had four children with his wife Joanne.
Australian singer and actor Normie Rowe and veteran broadcaster Pete Graham both paid tribute to Hannan on social media.
"Jimmy was a pure gentleman. A really talented exponent of the TV idiom," Rowe posted on Facebook.
Graham labelled Hannan an "Aussie TV pioneer" and "game show king" in a post.
Comedian Tony Martin also paid tribute.
"RIP the wonderful Jimmy Hannan," Martin tweeted.
Australian Associated Press
