Beloved Hey Hey It's Saturday star passes away
Beloved Australian entertainer Marty Morton has passed away at the age of 82.
Morton, who was best known for his role as a children's entertainer in the 1970s on shows such as The Super Flying Fun Show and Hey, Hey It’s Saturday, died on Friday after a lengthy battle with cancer.
His sons, Anthony and Terry, confirmed the news on behalf of their family in an emotional statement, writing, “It is with great sadness that my first post in a very long time, is to let you know that my father, Marty (Darrell) Morton passed away on the morning of Friday."
“He almost made it to 83. I love him and will miss him big time.”
Morton was born in Lancashire in the north of England in 1941 before moving to Australia with his family at a young age.
His 50-year career in entertainment began on the stage, before the talent ventriloquist became a regular face on television, where he appeared with puppet Emu on The Super Flying Fun Show alongside Marilyn Mayo.
Along with his work in children’s television, Morton also featured in a string of other guest roles including on Spyforce, Division 4, The Young Doctors and All Saints, and maintained a presence on the cabaret and comedy circuit.
His contributions to Australian entertainment were recognised by the Australian Entertainment Mo Awards, where he was awarded the Versatile Variety Act of the Year in 1982, 1983 and 1986.
A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, with attendees asked to dress “happy and bright with even a touch of cringe if you feel the need”, with Terry saying, “It’s dad, remember.”
“Dad had two favourite charities, A.L.V.A inc. (entertainers’ benevolent fund), and the Cancer Council. Dad would have preferred a donation to charity rather than flowers.”
Image credits: Facebook