Johnny Young, the man who became a familiar face in Australian living rooms through Young Talent Time, has died aged 79.

Young’s family confirmed the singer, songwriter, television host and producer died following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

For Australians who grew up in the 1970s and ’80s, Young was synonymous with Sunday night television.

He created, produced and hosted Young Talent Time, which began in 1971 and ran for 18 years, becoming one of Australian television’s longest-running and best-loved variety programs.

The show introduced audiences to a succession of young performers and provided an early platform for stars including Tina Arena, Debra Byrne and Dannii Minogue.

Its closing moments became part of the Sunday night ritual. Young and the cast would farewell viewers with All My Loving, a tradition still fondly remembered by those who grew up watching the show.

Young’s career, though, began well before Young Talent Time.

Born Johnny Benjamin De Jong, he established himself as a singer before becoming a successful songwriter and producer. Among his best-known compositions was The Real Thing, the psychedelic Australian classic recorded by Russell Morris. He also wrote Smiley, another enduring song from the era.

But it was Young Talent Time that made Johnny Young a household name.

At a time when families gathered around one television set, Young and his young cast became regular Sunday night company in homes across the country.

His death also carries a particularly sad family connection. Young’s son Craig died from pancreatic cancer at just 48.

Young is survived by his wife Marisha, sister Cornelia, daughters Anna and Fleur, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

His family has asked for privacy and said details of a memorial service will be announced at a later date.

News of Young’s death will hit particularly hard for Australians who remember Young Talent Time as part of their Sunday night routine. For 18 years, Johnny Young and his young cast were simply part of growing up.