Aussie TV legend Jimmy Hannan dies aged 84

Australian television icon Jimmy Hannan has died at the age of 84 due to cancer.

The Gold Logie winner was surrounded by close family when he took his final breath, following months trying to battle the disease, Nine News reports.

Speaking to the news outlet, his daughter Emily Gillman said her father’s death was “peaceful” and he was not alone in his last moments.

“He passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer,” she told Nine News.

“He was 84 so he had a fantastic life.”

Tributes for the talented singer, entertainer and game show host have already begun to roll in with fans taking to social media to share their condolences.

Of those to share their grief was TV editor Holly Byrnes who said: “Sending best wishes to Jimmy Hannan… he worked with my mum back in her radio singing days”.

Sending best wishes to Jimmy Hannan … he worked with my mum back in her radio singing days. @Studio10au @AngelaBishop

— Holly Byrnes (@byrnesh) January 2, 2019

While another fan said: “Remember Jimmy well, Saturday Date and Jimmy plus the radio and heaps of other shows a real talent of the time “.

And a third added: “Remember him so well. Memories of growing up”.

Hannan first sprung to fame in the late 1950’s when he appeared on Aussie TV classic Name That Tune in 1956.

From there his name was in the headlines as he launched his own shows including Jimmy in 1966, The Go!! Show in 1967 and In Melbourne Tonight in 1970.

He also made regular appearances on variety shows throughout the ’70s, such as The Graham Kennedy Show, The Ernie Sigley Show and The Mike Walsh Show.

However, his most famous role was no doubt his hosting position on the musical variety show Saturday Date. The show featured appearances from greats such as Olivia Newton-John and Billy Thorpe.

His talents didn’t stop there as he performed on show Bandstand as a singer in the 1970s.

From there he went on to release his own hit Beach Ball which reached number two on the Australian charts in 1963.

Of his biggest achievements was winning the 1965 Gold Logie award for most popular personality on Australian television.

After a long stint in front of the screens Hannan retired at the age of 50 and moved to a farm in the New South Wales’ town of Bellingen with his wife Joanna.

He leaves behind his wife and his four children.

Do you remember watching Jimmy Hannan on TV? Do you have a message for his family?