June 5th 2024.
Australian media has lost a beloved figure with the passing of John Blackman at the age of 76. For 28 years, Blackman's iconic voice graced the screens as the puppet Dickie Knee on the popular show Hey Hey It's Saturday. His talent and wit captivated audiences and made him a household name in Melbourne and beyond. Sadly, he lost his long battle with bone cancer, leaving behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.
Richard Wilkins, Nine's entertainment editor, fondly remembered Blackman as a dear friend and integral part of the Hey Hey family. He also mentioned Blackman's courageous fight against skin cancer and later, bone cancer. Blackman's sparkling radio career, along with his beautiful wife Cecile, will always be cherished and remembered by those who knew him.
Tributes have been pouring in for the late broadcaster, with 3AW's veteran Neil Mitchell expressing his sadness and acknowledging Blackman's significant impact on his own radio career. Blackman was known for his professionalism and genuine kindness, both on and off the microphone. He will be greatly missed but his voice and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of his fans and colleagues.
Born and raised in Mount Waverley, Melbourne, Blackman left school at 16 to pursue various jobs before finding his true calling in radio at the age of 22. He joined 2GN Goulburn before moving to 2CA Canberra and eventually landing a position at 3AW in Melbourne. In addition to his successful radio career, Blackman also lent his voice to the beloved character of Dickie Knee on Hey Hey It's Saturday, which he described as a phenomenon that grew by accident.
Apart from his work in radio and television, Blackman was also a devoted husband to Cecile, whom he married in 1972. They had a daughter together, Tiffany, who was born blind and premature. Blackman's legacy is one of laughter, dedication, and a profound impact on the Australian media industry. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will be kept alive through the impact he made on the entertainment landscape.
As we mourn the loss of John Blackman, we also celebrate his remarkable journey and the indelible mark he left on all of our hearts. He will always be remembered as a cherished voice in Australian media, with an unwavering commitment to his craft and a kindness that touched the lives of many. His legacy will continue to live on, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Australian radio and television legend, John Blackman. At the age of 76, he passed away after a long battle with bone cancer, his second fight against the disease. Blackman was best known for his iconic 28-year role as the voice of the puppet Dickie Knee on the beloved show Hey Hey It's Saturday.
Richard Wilkins, Nine's entertainment editor, fondly remembers Blackman for his sharp wit and larger-than-life personality. "I had the honor of working with John on Hey Hey many times over the years, and he truly felt like family to me," Wilkins shared. "He was such a big part of the show, and even after he had to have his jaw removed due to skin cancer, he continued to be a vital part of it. He had a sparkling radio career, and his wife Cecile, who was his rock, is in our thoughts and prayers."
The news of John Blackman's passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike. Neil Mitchell, a veteran broadcaster from 3AW, expressed his sadness at the loss of such a talented and professional individual. "I'm so saddened to hear of John Blackman's passing. He was a constant presence throughout my radio career and a top-class broadcaster."
In a statement, both Nine and 3AW remembered Blackman as a cherished voice in Australian media. "Throughout his illustrious career, John demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his craft," the statement read. "His versatility and enduring presence in the industry were a testament to his exceptional talent. He was admired by colleagues and fans for his professionalism and genuine kindness, both on and off the microphone. John Blackman's legacy is one of laughter, dedication, and a profound impact on Australian media. Although he will be deeply missed, his voice will continue to echo in our memories."
Born on July 14, 1947, Blackman grew up in the Melbourne suburb of Mount Waverley and attended Syndal Primary School. At the young age of 16, he left school and home to work various jobs, including a sales representative for a perfume company and a cash van salesman for a cigarette distributor. But his true passion was in radio, and at the age of 22, he joined 2GN Goulburn in regional New South Wales, taking on multiple roles as an announcer, newsreader, copywriter, salesman, and record librarian.
Blackman's talent and drive led him to bigger opportunities, and he soon found himself at 2CA Canberra. In 1971, he returned to his hometown of Melbourne to pursue his dream of working at 3AW. Alongside his radio career, Blackman also lent his voice to the character of Dickie Knee on Hey Hey It's Saturday, which became a huge success. He also made appearances on other popular shows such as Blankety Blanks, Personality Squares, and The Paul Hogan Show.
In 1972, Blackman married Cecile, a successful businesswoman who was often referred to as the brains behind Dickie Knee. The couple welcomed their daughter Tiffany into the world, but she was born three months premature and blind. Despite this, Blackman and his family remained strong and continued to spread laughter and joy to others through his work.
John Blackman will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on through his impact on the entertainment industry and the memories he leaves behind. As we remember his remarkable journey, we celebrate the indelible mark he left on our hearts and the entertainment landscape. Rest in peace, John Blackman.
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