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David Campbell shares touching tribute to ‘hilarious’ John Hamblin after veteran presenter’s death at age 87
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David Campbell has paid tribute to veteran TV host and much-loved Play School presenter John Hamblin following his death at the age of 87.
The Today Extra host, 49, shared a throwback photo of John on the set of the ABC show on his social media page, along with some touching words.
‘RIP the hilarious John Hamblin. I grew up with ‘Naughty John’ at Play School,” he began.
David Campbell has shared a touching tribute to the ‘hilarious’ John Hamblin after the veteran presenter’s death at the age of 87
“My first play was with him playing my dad in ‘Away’ at the @sydneytheatreco. He always made me laugh (sometimes on stage). It was an honor.’
It comes after the ABC paid tribute to Hamblin’s “comedic timing and humor” in a statement Wednesday night, saying he “helped cement Play School as one of Australia’s most cherished children’s programmes.”
Hamblin began his time on the iconic kids show in the 1970s and quickly became a fan favorite. He would go on to star in more than 350 episodes of the program, over a period of 30 years.
The Today Extra host, 49, shared a throwback photo of John on the set of the ABC show on his social media page along with some touching words
He was affectionately known as ‘Naughty John’ throughout his run for his sassy sense of humor and irreverent disposition.
Following his retirement from the show in 1999, Hamblin returned for a special guest appearance as part of Play School’s 50th Anniversary special in 2016.
Jennifer Collins, ABC Director of Entertainment & Specialist, said in a statement, “John was an unforgettable presenter whose comedic timing and humor helped Play School create one of Australia’s most cherished children’s programs,”
‘John had a bad sense of humor and was not afraid of ambiguity. His presence always managed to keep both our toddler audience and their parents equally involved in the show.
“I’d like to extend my condolences to John’s family at this sad time.”
Veteran TV host and beloved Play School presenter John Hamblin (pictured) has died aged 87
The ABC paid tribute to John’s “comedic timing and humor” in a statement Wednesday night, saying he has “helped Play School become one of Australia’s most cherished children’s programs.” Pictured next to Benita Collings (left)
Aside from his role in Play School, Hamblin was also an accomplished actor.
He had roles in Number 96, Class of ’74, The Young Doctors and Case for the Defense in the 1970s, and would later star in Sons and Daughters, All Saints and Love My Way.
He also memorably played Michael Chamberlain in the 1984 telefilm, The Disappearance of Azaria Chamberlain
John started his time on the iconic kids show in the 1970s and quickly became a fan favorite. He would go on to star in more than 350 episodes of the program, over a period of 30 years. Pictured: John in Play School’s 50th Birthday Special in 2016
The news of Hamblin’s passing saw social media flooded with tribute.
“One of the best Play School presenters,” one wrote on Facebook.
Vale John Hamblin. We loved you, for several generations, in our family. Thanks for all your playful humor,” a second posted to Twitter.
‘An iconic part of my childhood and many others’. Thank you John Hamblin. Well done. ❤️’ added a third.
News of Hamblin’s passing saw social media flooded with tributes
“Thank you John Hamblin for your wonderful humor, love and fun teaching young children, and for all the ambiguities in keeping the adults busy at the same time,” commented another.
“This breaks my heart a little. John Hamblin loomed up in my youth,” said another.
John is survived by his children Emma and Myles.
‘One of the best Play School presenters,’ wrote someone on Facebook