Beloved Australian entertainer Marty Morton dies aged 82

Beloved Australian entertainer Marty Morton, best known for 1970s children’s show The Super Flying Fun Show, has died at 82 after a long battle with cancer. Morton leaves behind two sons, Anthony and Terry, who confirmed the devastating news on social media. “It is with great sadness to let you know that my father, Marty passed away on Friday,” Terry wrote. “He almost made it to 83. Love him and will miss him big time.” Morton was born in the north of England in 1941 before moving to Australia at a young age. He began his entertainment career as a stage performer and ventriloquist. The 82-year-old was widely known for his funny and enthusiastic appearances on The Super Flying Fun Show and Hey Hey It’s Saturday. He also acted in multiple television shows, theatre shows and commercials in Australia and England. Friend Rebbell Barnes took to social media to share her heartbreak over the death. “Our dear friend Marty Morton passed away this morning. Meredenne Hall was at his side when he left us,” Ms Barnes wrote. “In Australia he acted in TV shows including Spyforce, Division 4, The Young Doctors, All Saints, and The Restless Years. “When comedian Rod Hull and his Emu puppet character left The Super Flying Fun Show and Australia, a duplicate of Emu was made so the character could continue on the show. Marty took over Hull’s co-hosting position on the Super Flying Fun Show alongside Marilyn Mayo. Champagne please.” Across his 50-year career Morton also performed in cabaret. He also featured on Division 4, The Young Doctors, Spyforce, All Saints, The Restless Years, The Midday Show, Catch Us If You Can, and UK shows Cracker Jack & The Seaside Special. Morton also appeared in TV show Puberty Blues in 2012, alongside Claudia Karvan and Susie Porter. He faced a cancer battle during his final years, but continued to entertain at the hospital. The beloved entertainer won three Australian Entertainment Mo awards for Versatile Variety Act of the Year, in 1982, 1983 and 1986.