The 'Brain salutes Don Lane

Vale Don Lane
American born Australian TV legend Don Lane was today laid to rest after passing away yesterday.

Nine brought Don, nick-named the "lanky yank", to Australia in the ‘60s to host Sydney variety show The Tonight Show. He followed the show up with Tonight with Don Lane, Sydney Tonight, and appearances with Graham Kennedy on IMT.

But it was The Don Lane Show, which ran from 1975 until 1983, that really made him one of Australia’s biggest stars. His teaming with Bert Newton was TV gold.

“Don was a very important influence in my life – both as an entertainer and a friend,” says Bert. “He was the most generous performer I have ever worked with, always happy to share the camera and the comedy.
“Before Don and I worked together on The Don Lane Show, we had actually never met. Our friendship began on camera and lasted for more than 30 years. Australian television and, in particular, variety television, owe so much to Don. He gave it new life and his show became one of the most prestigious and important programs in history.

“My memories today are of an outstanding performer and a friend I loved very much.”

Don’s show has lived on in frequent best of specials over the years, and as a kid I was a big fan of his late ‘80s Ten hidden camera show You’ve Got To Be Joking. He also worked as a commentator of American football (hosting several Superbowl telecasts) and basketball, spruiked on TVSN and made some fondly remembered appearances on The Late Show with The D-Generation.

He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.





Scott Keenan
I love your faces o'clock