Graham Kennedy and the Seekers in Melbourne, c. 1967

Graham Kennedy AO (1934–2005), entertainer, began his career in Melbourne radio in 1949. In 1957 he began presenting In Melbourne Tonight, hosting the show for 13 years and earning himself the nickname ‘The King’ of Australian TV. He returned to the small screen with The Graham Kennedy Show in 1972. Three years after its debut he was banned from live television after approximating the call of a crow with the sound ‘faaaark’ – although there is now some doubt about whether the segment was transmitted live, as is popularly believed. Over the period 1976–1980 he appeared in the ABC drama Power Without Glory and the films Don’s Party, The Odd Angry Shot and The Club; meanwhile, his game show Blankety Blanks (1977–1978) was one of the most popular programs on early evening TV. His television career drew to its close in 1988-1990 with Graham Kennedy’s News Show and Graham Kennedy’s Funniest Home Videos. His many professional awards included six Gold Logies and a Special Logie for Star of the Decade in 1967; he won the Hall of Fame Logie in 1998. He was awarded the AO posthumously in 2006.

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2007
© Robert Whitaker