Breaking: Young Talent Time host Johnny Young dies

Posted Fri 14 Aug 2026 at 11:41amFri 14 Aug 2026 at 11:41am, updated Fri 14 Aug 2026 at 12:09pmFri 14 Aug 2026 at 12:09pmJohnny Young's TV show started many big Australian careers including Dannii Mingoue's (top right). (AAP: Ten, file photo)Young Talent Time host Johnny Young has died aged 79 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer."Johnny was the creator, host and producer of the much-loved television show Young Talent Time," his family said in a statement."He wrote and produced many iconic hit songs, including The Real Thing and Smiley."Young Talent Time, a popular entertainment show, ran from 1971 until 1988 and nurtured a number of big Australian stars, including Kylie and Dannii Minogue and Tina Arena.Tina Arena was one of the young stars of Young Talent Time, hosted by Johnny Young. (Sergio Dionisio: AAP)Each episode of Young Talent Time finished with a singalong of The Beatles' All My Loving.Before hosting Young Talent Time, Young was a singer in his own right, having an Australian number one hit with Step Back.He was also the host of The Go!! Show in the 1960s, following the resignation of Ian Turpie.Young won a Logie for Best Teenage Personality for his work on The Go!! Show in 1967.Young leaves behind his wife Marisha, sister Cornelia, daughters Anna and Fleur, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He also had a son, Craig, who had died.His family asked for privacy and said the details of a memorial service would be announced soon.Johnny Young was born Johnny Benjamin De Jong.