Remembering Johnny Young
Australian Entertainment Icon Johnny Young, Creator of 'Young Talent Time,' Dies at 79
Key Points
Debra Byrne was among the artists launched by Young Talent Time, alongside Tina Arena and Dannii Minogue.
Young Talent Time returned briefly with a revival in 2012 after its original run from 1971 to 1988.
Johnny Young’s son Craig died of pancreatic cancer in 2014 at age 48.
The statement notes that Johnny Young was married to his third wife, Marisha.
Australian television legend Johnny Young has died at 79 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Young, born Johnny Benjamin De Jong in the Netherlands, was best known for creating, hosting and producing Young Talent Time, one of Australia's most beloved TV shows. Perth Now confirmed his death, with the family releasing a statement asking for privacy.
Young Talent Time ran from 1971 to 1988 and helped launch the careers of stars including Tina Arena, Dannii Minogue and Debra Byrne. The show often closed with the Beatles' All My Loving. AAP News noted that Young was also a prolific songwriter and producer, with credits including The Real Thing and Smiley.
Young Talent Time Made Stars for Two Decades
Young Talent Time debuted in 1971 and ran for 17 years, making it one of the longest-running variety shows in Australian TV history. Johnny Young was not just the host — he created and produced the show himself. According to Mediaweek, the program became a cult favourite and a launching pad for some of Australia's biggest pop names.
Tina Arena, Dannii Minogue and Debra Byrne all got their start on the show. The series briefly returned in 2012 with a revival run before folding again. Perth Now described Young as a driving force behind every aspect of the production, from its music to its on-screen talent.
A Family Struck Twice by Pancreatic Cancer
Johnny Young's death carries a painful echo for his family. His son Craig died from the same disease — pancreatic cancer — in 2014 at age 48. The father and son were both taken by the illness, more than a decade apart. Head Topics noted that Young's death came after only a brief illness, which is common with pancreatic cancer, a disease known for fast progression.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. It is often not found until it is in a late stage, which makes treatment harder. Young was 79 at the time of his death.
Survivors and Legacy Left Behind
Young is survived by his third wife Marisha, his sister Cornelia, daughters Anna and Fleur, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His son Craig, who predeceased him, is noted in the family statement. The family asked for privacy and said details about a memorial service would be announced soon.
Beyond television, Young left a body of recorded work as a songwriter. He wrote and produced songs that charted in Australia during the 1960s and 1970s. Head Topics described him as a key figure in Australian pop and entertainment history, whose influence stretched far beyond his time on screen.
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