Beloved Australian children’s entertainer Michael ‘Gibbo’ Gibson died on Monday at the age of 69 after a long battle with dementia.
The veteran TV presenter appeared alongside the famous puppet character in the iconic Channel Seven variety series Agro’s Cartoon Connection.
His wife Carol confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement on Facebook: “Many of you may know by now about the passing of my dear husband Michael.
‘He left us after another battle with dementia and although it was sad to see, I am grateful he is now free. He was the smartest of us and we were lucky to share his time.”
Gibbo was known for always wearing painter’s overalls on the program as he performed it alongside co-presenters Ann-Maree Biggar and Terasa Livingstone.
Beloved Australian children’s entertainer Michael ‘Gibbo’ Gibson (pictured) passed away on Monday at the age of 69 after a long battle with dementia
The veteran TV presenter appeared in the iconic Channel Seven variety series Agro’s Cartoon Connection alongside the famous puppet character (pictured in 1993)
He was born in 1954 and had a lifelong passion for performing. He attended the National Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sydney in 1977 with unrelated Mel Gibson.
Michael also worked behind the scenes and co-produced Agro during his stint on the show from 1990 – 1996.
He also worked for the Nine Network in Brisbane for many years as a program promotion manager, producer, writer and voice-over artist.
Gibbo was known for always wearing painter’s overalls on the program as he performed it alongside co-presenters Ann-Maree Biggar and Terasa Livingstone.
Michael also worked behind the scenes and co-produced Agro during his stint on the show from 1990 – 1996.
The Queensland-based artist also appeared regularly on Hit Network’s B105 FM in Brisbane as a guest presenter and comedy performer.
Agro puppeteer Jamie Dunn paid tribute to his former colleague on social media: ‘Goodbye my funny friend. You were hilarious 100% of the time.
“I have only wonderful memories of you.”
Gibbo is survived by his wife Carol, whom he married in 1977, and their two children.