The King Is Dead

Graham Kennedy
15 February 1934 - 25 May 2005

Television legend Graham Kennedy has died at a nursing home in the NSW southern highlands, a close friend says.

The veteran Australian entertainer suffered several long illnesses in recent years after he fell down a set of stairs in 2003, breaking his leg and skull. Long-time friend Tony Sattler said Mr Kennedy, 71, died about 4.30am.

Mr Kennedy won 19 Logie awards, including five gold statuettes, since bursting onto Australian television screens in 1957.

After retiring from television about 15 years ago, he retreated from public life on his property near Bowral. Mr Sattler said he met Mr Kennedy in 1966 while "working on the shows". "He was the undisputed king of Australian television", he said. "He was loved by the world."

Mr Kennedy's shows include The Graham Kennedy Show, Blankety Blanks, Coast to Coast and Graham Kennedy's Funniest Home Video Show. His movie credits include Don's Party, The Club, Travelling North and The Odd Angry Shot.

Mr Kennedy, who was born in Melbourne on February 15, 1934, began his television career in 1957 when the then 23-year-old radio personality was chosen to host the variety show In Melbourne Tonight. He went on to host The Graham Kennedy Show for 13 years.

He died in Kenil Worth nursing home, Bowral, where he had lived for 18 months.