Cate Blanchett and Dannii Minogue were among those who led a moving In Memoriam tribute at the 66th Annual TV Week Logie Awards, remembering some of the biggest names Australian entertainment has lost over the past year.
Johnny Young, Mel Schilling, Sam Neill and Derryn Hinch were among those honoured during the ceremony on Sunday night, alongside John Laws, David Stratton, Rhoda Roberts, Toni Lamond, Terence Donovan, Rachael Carpani, James Valentine and others.
Minogue paid a particularly emotional tribute to Young, who died earlier this year and played a significant role in her early career on “Young Talent Time.” Fighting back tears, she reflected on the generations of Australian entertainers he helped inspire.
“Always giving his time with kindness and a smile that will never be forgotten,” Minogue said. “He has undoubtedly left an extraordinary contribution to Australian entertainment.”
Addressing Young’s children Craig, Anna and Fleur, she added: “You shared your father with the entire nation and tonight Australia is sharing and sending all their loving to you.”
Hinch was remembered as the “human headline,” while veteran broadcaster Roger Climpson was celebrated as “one of the most trusted names in news.” John Laws, whose broadcasting career spanned more than seven decades, was remembered as “the man with the golden tonsils.”
Film critic David Stratton was also honoured for his enormous influence on Australian cinema, while Rhoda Roberts was remembered as a trailblazer who became the first Aboriginal presenter on an Australian prime-time television program.
The tribute also celebrated the careers of Toni Lamond, whose eight decades in entertainment stretched across vaudeville, theatre and television, and Terence Donovan, who appeared on Australian screens for more than 50 years, including in “Cop Shop,” “Breaker Morant” and hundreds of episodes of “Neighbours.”
Rachael Carpani was remembered for bringing “light and life into our homes” through roles including Jodi Fountain on “McLeod’s Daughters,” while ABC broadcaster James Valentine was described as “thoughtful, curious, generous and a very dear friend.”
Blanchett delivered one of the night’s most emotional moments as she remembered Neill, describing the acclaimed actor as “universally loved.”
“I loved him very much,” she said. “He took every opportunity to open his heart and share his life and his talent with all of us. He gave us courage and hope and very fine wine.” She added that Neill loved the entertainment industry “for its absurdities as much as its potential for warmth and connection,” before sharing one of his characteristically optimistic reflections.
“I know it’s easy to spiral down and think what’s the worst thing that could happen, but I encourage you to spiral up and think what’s the best thing that can happen,” she quoted him as saying. “Look up, it’s blue.
“He didn’t think he was more special than anyone else and no loss was greater than another,” Blanchett continued. “Sam dreamed for a peaceful world and for people to be kind.”
The segment concluded with Katie Noonan and Andrea Lam performing a beautifully moving rendition of Neill’s favourite songs, Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over.”