Ernie Sigley dead at 82: Australian TV pioneer and Gold Logie winner dies after battle with Alzheimer’s disease

By Jo Scrimshire For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 21:26 BST, 15 August 2021 | Updated: 21:51 BST, 15 August 2021

Pioneering Australian TV and radio personality Ernie Sigley has died at the age of 82, after a five-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Sigley, who won the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television in 1975, had been diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease in October 2016.

His death was announced by Channel Seven entertainment reporter Peter Ford early Monday morning.

Rest in peace: Pioneering Australian TV and radio personality Ernie Sigley (right) has died at the age of 82, after a five-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. Pictured with Shane Warne, Delvene Delaney in February 2009

Rest in peace: Pioneering Australian TV and radio personality Ernie Sigley (right) has died at the age of 82, after a five-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Pictured with Shane Warne, Delvene Delaney in February 2009

Ford tweeted: ‘Very sad to hear of Ernie Sigley’s death. His unique larrikin style made it look easier than it really is.

‘TV, radio, recording success and live concerts – what a great career! But his greatest pride was his family. He was kind to me so I’ll be sad but honoured to pay tribute today.’

Sigley hosted game show Wheel of Fortune from 1981 to 1984, and also fronted a national variety show, The Ernie Sigley Show, in the ’70s.

He had been an original cast member on the ’60s variety program Sunnyside Up.

In addition to his television career, he was a regular radio broadcaster for 57 years.

Sigley started his radio career as ‘Ernie Williams’ in Radio Luxembourg, before stints at 3DB, News Talk 3UZ and Melbourne’s 3AW.

He hosted 3AW afternoon show from 1996 until his retirement in November 2008.

Sigley also found success as a singer, a career which began as a choir boy at St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne.

His first record, Love Is a Golden Ring, was released by W & G Records in 1957.

He was known for collaborating with showbusiness veteran Denise Drysdale, with whom he would often perform on the club circuit.

Their recording of Hey Paula peaked at number two in the Australian charts in 1974.

A lifelong supporter of the Western Bulldogs AFL team, Sigley was born in Footscray, Melbourne, on September 2, 1938.

He was one of seven children of a boilermaker and a housewife.

He began his career as a teenager in the early ’50s as a turntable operator for 3DB, before a stint working at the BBC in London. 

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