Categories: News

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.

Erin James

Erin James is AussieTheatre.com's former Editor in Chief and a performer on both stage and screen. Credits include My Fair Lady, South Pacific and The King and I (Opera Australia), Love Never Dies and Cats (Really Useful Group), Blood Brothers (Enda Markey Presents), A Place To Call Home (Foxtel/Channel 7) and the feature film The Little Death (written and directed by Josh Lawson).

Recent Posts

Sting To Star In THE LAST SHIP At Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Music icon Sting will return to the stage in a newly adapted production of his…

24 hours ago

Broadway’s Biggest Night: What To Watch For At The Tony Awards

Broadway’s biggest night is fast approaching, with the Tony Awards set to celebrate another busy…

24 hours ago

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRDHARPER Opens at The Genesian Theatre

The Genesian Theatre Company is proud to present a moving new production of Harper Lee’s…

1 day ago

The Songs Of John Farnham: A Living Legend The Celebration Concert

Minister for Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, together with producers Tony Cochrane AM and…

1 day ago

Lanterns Light Up Liverpool in Powerhouse Debut

Liverpool City Council’s much-loved celebration of Asian culture and cuisine, Lanterns and Lights, returns on…

1 day ago

The Australian Premiere of Tootsie Opens Tonight at Teatro

The Australian Premiere of the smash-hit Broadway musical Tootsie, officially opens at Teatro at the…

2 days ago