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Australian television legend Johnny Young has died at the age of 79 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
The beloved entertainer, songwriter and producer passed away surrounded by family, who announced the sad news in a heartfelt statement on Friday.
'Johnny was the creator, host and producer of the much-loved television show Young Talent Time. He wrote and produced many iconic hit songs including The Real Thing and Smiley,' the statement read.
'Johnny leaves behind his wife Marisha, sister Cornelia, daughters Anna and Fleur, son Craig (dec.), seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
'The family respectfully asks for privacy during this difficult time. Details of a memorial service will be announced soon.'
Young became a household name as the creator and longtime host of Young Talent Time, the hugely successful variety program that aired from 1971 to 1988 and helped launch the careers of some of Australia's biggest stars.
Johnny Young has died at the age of 79 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer
The beloved entertainer, songwriter and producer passed away surrounded by family. Pictured: The cast of Young Talent Time on stage with host Johnny Young (centre)
Among those to emerge from the show were singers Tina Arena and Dannii Minogue, who went on to enjoy successful international careers after finding fame as members of Young's talented troupe of young performers.
Young, who created the show with business partner Kevin Lewis, based the concept on the long-running children's television program The Mickey Mouse Club.
'Young Talent Time was based on the feeling that I got from The Mickey Mouse Club,' he previously told TV Tonight.
'It had similarities… an elder brother and a group of kids singing and dancing, just very simple entertaining stuff.
'But I changed it to an hour, added the talent quest component and it became Young Talent Time.'
Young was also known for his famous, trademark sign-off phrase 'Goodnight Australia!' at the end of every episode.
Beyond television, Young enjoyed remarkable success as a songwriter and producer, penning a string of Australian hits including Russell Morris' classic The Real Thing and Ronnie Burns' chart-topping Smiley.
The entertainment industry pioneer also endured heartbreaking personal tragedy.
Young became a household name as the creator and longtime host of Young Talent Time, the variety program that aired from 1971 to 1988 and helped launch the careers of some of Australia's biggest stars
Young is survived by his third wife Marisha (pictured in 2009)
Young lost his only son, Craig, to pancreatic cancer in 2014. He was just 48 years old.
Craig was Young's child from his first marriage to childhood sweetheart Jane. The couple's love story was also marked by tragedy, with Jane dying from leukaemia while still in her 20s.
Young is survived by his third wife Marisha, sister Cornelia, daughters Anna and Fleur, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
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