The quiet TV star passed away peacefully according to colleague Daryl Somers
TV icon Daryl Somers has confirmed the sad news that the legendary performer Ernie Carroll has died at 92.
The alter-ego of Ossie Ostrich passed away this morning in the presence of his family.
In a note on his Facebook page Daryl said:
Ernie was a pioneer of television starting back in the 50s, coming from a radio background to GTV9 when television was in its infancy.
It was a voyage of discovery as no-one really knew how television worked. It called upon the many talents of all involved.
In Ernie’s case he was a cartoonist, camera operator, sponsor liaison officer, producer, writer, on camera character playing Professor Ratbaggy and, as himself, illustrating and narrating the adventures of Joybelle in the kids shows he also produced out of GTV9 in the 60s.
He wrote comedy for the King of variety television, Graham Kennedy, on ‘In Melbourne Tonight’.
Of course he was best known for his creation of Oswald Q Ostrich (Ossie), my lovable and nonsensically funny ‘sidekick’ on Hey Hey It’s Saturday for 25 of its 30 year run.
A tribute was paid to Ernie on our recent 50th anniversary special.
I am so grateful for Ernie’s early guidance of my career. He auditioned me for the hosting role on Cartoon Corner back in early 1971.
He was a man of few words with a quiet countenance but when he did speak he imparted great wisdom.
I loved him very much and along with my wife Julie send our deepest sympathies to his daughter Lynne, son Bruce, his grandchildren and his partner of almost 50 years, Miffy Marsh.
The family have requested privacy at this time.
Rest in peace Ern, Forever in my heart, Daryl
So terribly terribly sad to hear of the passing of Ernie Carroll.
— Simon Owens (@SimonOMelb) March 30, 2022
A huge part of my childhood and memories that will stay with me forever.
Thanks for the laughs. pic.twitter.com/X8YAfN1aQJ
Michael Healy, Nine Director of Television provided this statement:
“We at Nine are deeply saddened by the passing of Ernie Carroll today. Ernie was a pioneer of Australian television. As a member of the Nine family for several decades he bought immense laughter and joy to generations of Australians.
Ernie will be most fondly remembered for his creation of Ossie Ostrich, a character he portrayed on Hey Hey It’s Saturday, alongside Daryl Somers, for 25 years. We express our deepest condolences to Ernie’s extended family including Daryl and the Hey Hey family.”
Best Saturday night show ever Hey Hey really miss it – was so funny and so much funny talent – no point in it ever trying to make a come back with all the woke bs today…i could go on but i wont – i’m sure everyone can read between my lines what i would like to write but if i did it would not be published..on ya Ernie rest in peace with your bloody funny humour.