Born in Melbourne in 1934, Graham Kennedy remains an iconic figure in Australian television, a testament to his enduring legacy as the host of the long-running program, In Melbourne Tonight, which aired on Channel Nine from 1957.
Accompanied by his trusted sidekick, Bert Newton, and aided by a talented ensemble of comedians, including Joff Allen and a young Patti McGrath, who would later become Bert Newton's wife, Kennedy revolutionized the concept of live sketch comedy in Australia, keeping In Melbourne Tonight alive well into the 1970s with his irreverent and often biting humor.
Kennedy's unique brand of comedy, which often bordered on the subversive, was characterized by his genuine "live-read" commercials, which he would transform into scathing critiques of the sponsors, products, or both. This innovative approach earned him a reputation as a master of his craft.
Following the cancellation of In Melbourne Tonight, Kennedy transitioned to the big screen, appearing in various films before returning to television with the popular game show, Blankety Blanks, in 1977. This program, which featured the cast as the main attraction and the contestants as mere spectators, showcased Kennedy's ability to adapt to new formats and remained a fan favorite.
As Kennedy grew older, he made fewer appearances on screen, with his last major role being that of a late-night newsreader on the Nine Network. Unfortunately, his health had been declining in recent years, following a stroke, and he passed away on May 25, 2005, at the age of 71, due to complications from pneumonia.
