Australia ‘shocked and saddened’ following the death of Hey Hey It’s Saturday star John Blackman

John Blackman, the man who brought the iconic Dickie Knee to life on Hey Hey It’s Saturday, has sadly passed away at the age of 76.

Blackman’s unique talent and infectious humour endeared him to generations, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Aussie public who cherished his contributions to comedy and television.

In 2019, Blackman was diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer, which led to the removal of his jaw. He faced extensive surgeries again in 2022 when the cancer returned.

No cause of death has been provided.

Channel 7 entertainment reporter Peter Ford broke the unfortunate news to the Australian public on The Morning Show on Wednesday, June 5, stating that “Australia is a sadder place” following Blackman’s death.

“John was an incredible man. In the past years, he has put up a huge cancer fight,” Ford said.

“He was a beautiful performer on radio and television, in recent years, of course, he’s put up this incredible cancer fight.”

Born July 14, 1947, Blackman began his career in 1969 at 2GN Goulburn, serving as an announcer, newsreader, copywriter, salesman, and record librarian. In 1970, he moved to 2CA Canberra, working various on-air shifts until mid-1971, when he joined 3AW in Melbourne. There, he became known for his work on Nightline.

In 1974, Blackman hosted the morning show on 3AK before moving to Sydney in 1975 to join 2UE as a “floating” announcer. Concurrently, he worked as a staff continuity announcer and daytime newsreader at TCN-9 Sydney while contributing to Hey Hey It’s Saturday.

It was his work with Hey Hey It’s Saturday that cemented his legacy, with his voice work and comedic timing making Dickie Knee a beloved character and a staple of Australian television.

Returning to Melbourne in 1979, Blackman hosted the breakfast show on 3AK until 1981, then moved to 3AW to co-host the breakfast show with Paul Barber, and later, Bruce Mansfield. This partnership dominated the ratings for five years.

After leaving 3AW in 1986, Blackman joined the CBC Network experiment, followed by a stint at 3UZ from 1987 to 1990. He returned to radio in 1997 as a co-host of the 3AK breakfast show until 2000, and later joined Triple M Adelaide, co-hosting the breakfast show until 2007.

Blackman’s television appearances included Blankety Blanks, Personality Squares, The Paul Hogan Show, The Daryl Somers Tonight Show, Holiday Island, and Family Feud. He was also featured on ABC’s Talking Heads in 2006.

In a testament to his talent and enduring legacy in the entertainment industry, colleagues and fans rushed to social media to pay tribute to Blackman and share their favourite memories following his passing.

Shocked and saddened by death of John Blackman. He handled his illnesses so bravely. We had some huge rows but he was the fastest ad lib man ever. Vale.

— Derryn Hinch (@HumanHeadline) June 4, 2024

So sad at the passing of my old mate John Blackman. He was a master voice over announcer, live act and incredible radio pioneer. His work at 3AW breakfast and of course as the wonderful booth announcer on Hey Hey. Love to Cecile and his family. A massive loss. Vale buddy. pic.twitter.com/WL4HVba3hc

— Marty Fields (@Martyfields) June 5, 2024

Vale John Blackman. pic.twitter.com/ZQudq2lbaI

— Daniel (@VoteLewko) June 5, 2024

RIP Dickie Knee, aka John Blackman, gave us some the all time laughs on a Saturday night.. pic.twitter.com/Kj3nEkLOFu

— Shrapnel😇 (@Shrappy71) June 5, 2024

I’m sitting here trying to think of some poignant words to type but all I can hear in my head is his voice telling me to get on with it. Vale John Blackman, you magnificent bastard. My life is gonna be so weird without you in it. Thank you, for all of it x

— Danie Tregonning (@DanieTreg) June 5, 2024

So sad at the passing of John Blackman at the age of 76. The ‘Hey Hey It’s Saturday’ star was adored by audiences and the crew for his incredible wit, and I have wonderful memories of working with John on radio. RIP pic.twitter.com/AfbcbuO4YH

— Peter Hitchener (@phitchener9) June 5, 2024

So very sad to hear of my friend and colleague John Blackman’s passing. Not only was he one of the funniest men I knew, but definitely by far – the bravest. An inspiration to us all in how to tackle adversity without losing humour. Deepest condolences to Cecile and Tiff xxx pic.twitter.com/QJYqa03oqG

— Andrew Fyfe (@Fyfetoons) June 5, 2024

Very sad to hear of the passing of John Blackman. He fought cancer so bravely and with such dignity. Have fond memories of evenings in makeup when Hey Hey was on a Saturday night. Smart, funny and a true gentleman. Vale 🕊️

— Jo Hall (@Jo_Hall9) June 5, 2024

Very sad to hear of the death of John Blackman. He was the all-conquering 3AW breakfast host when I worked there in the mid-80s, and was quick-witted and warm both on and off-air. A delight to be around. His courage through his cancer battles was something to behold. 🙏🏻

— Hugh Riminton (@hughriminton) June 5, 2024

Yet another fantastic radio & TV personality has passed away.John Blackman,who was a top rating radio announcer in Melb.but of course also the comedy genius in a number of forms on”Hey Hey it’s Saturday”.Lots of great memories working with & watching John,very sad day. RIP mate!

— John Burgess (@thejohnburgess) June 5, 2024

Blackman is survived by his wife Cecile and his daughter Tiffany.