Don Lane dies aged 75
The charismatic entertainment legend, Don Lane, has passed away aged 75.
“He passed away late this morning. It was a dementia-related illness” says Jayne Ambrose, Lane’s manager.
“It’s a very sad day for the family,” Ms Ambrose said.
Close friend and biographer Janise Beaumont has said Lane was “starting to be a bit fragile” when she began working on his biography more than 3 years ago.
Born Morton Donald Isaacson in New York in 1933, the performer, talk show host and singer got his break on Australian television in 1965. He had been working in a well-known nightclub called the Copacabana in Hawaii, when he was recommended for a hosting role on Channel 9.
He was most famous for his variety show, The Don Lane Show, which debuted on Channel 9 in 1975.
“Today Australia lost one of its finest all-round entertainers,” David Gyngell, CEO of the Nine Newtwork said.
Lane’s funeral will take place on Friday while a public memorial in also in planning.
