RIP Ernie Sigley – TV star dies aged 82

The star had stayed out of the limelight during his battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

TV and radio star Ernie Sigley died yesterday at the age of 82 with his wife and children by his side, according to The Herald Sun.

He was born Ernest William Sigley on September 2, 1938 in Footscray, but would become known simply as Ernie.

The entertainer was a fixture on our screens for decades and found national fame alongside his on-screen partner Denise Drysdale.

The two stars recorded the song Hey Paula, which peaked at number two in the Australian charts in 1974.

Although he hasn’t been seen on our screens for some time, Sigley’s impact should not be underestimated. As the winner of 21 silver Logies and a Gold Logie in 1975, Ernie was loved by the audience for his down-to-earth attitude.

Before his official diagnosis friends, family and co-workers saw the early signs of Alzheimer’s when Ernie would forget lines or became confused.

When officially diagnosed, Ernie shunned the limelight, preferring to fight in private.

This morning a Nine Spoklesperson said:

“Today we have lost ‘the little Aussie Battler’ Erin Sigley and our heartfelt sympathy goes to his family and friends. Erin entertained millions of Australians. He was an Australian tv pioneer, who began his career in SA and at NIne a man who brightened our lives and brought laughter into our homes, we remember him fondly.”