Marilyn Mayo, a much-loved Australian TV star with a career spanning decades, died on Tuesday morning.
The actress, who turned 80 last year, was known to a generation of Aussie children as presenter of Nine’s The Super Flying Fun Show, which ran between 1970-1979.
She also appeared in the landmark Seven drama series A Country Practice and had a major role in Channel 10’s 1980s soap Holiday Island.
The sad news was shared to social media on Tuesday on behalf of Mayo’s family by Craig Bennett, a friend of the late icon.
‘Another special friend and a bonafide Aussie showbiz fave has left us,’ Bennett, a long-time showbiz reporter said on his Facebook.
He continued: ‘At 7am Marilyn Mayo passed away.
Marilyn Mayo (pictured), a much-loved Australian TV star with a career spanning decades, died on Tuesday morning
The actress was known to a generation of Aussie children as presenter of Nine’s The Super Flying Fun Show, which ran between 1970 to 1979
‘In 2020 she suffered a devastating brain haemorrhage from which she miraculously battled back.’
Elsewhere, Bennett remembered the showbiz veteran as ‘a wonderful wit, whip smart and the best company.’
He concluded his tribute: ‘Marilyn’s devoted daughters Katrina Medina and Lillian Lyon, asked me to share the news of MM’s passing.
‘She’s now free of confinement to a wheelchair or bed. Despite the ravages brought about by the stroke, she was upbeat, greeted you with a warm smile always, and retained her stunning repartee to the end.
‘Vale to a darling soul, and RIP Miss Marilyn.’
Known to a generation of kids’ as ‘Miss Marilyn’ from her decades long stint on The Super Flying Fun Show, Mayo started off her career as a dancer.
She appeared as a performer on variety programs like The Bobby Limb Show (1959-1964).
She also appeared on The Barry Crocker Show (1966-1967) and Bandstand (1958-1972).
The sad news was shared to social media on behalf of Mayo’s family by Craig Bennett, showbiz reporter and a friend of the late icon. Pictured: Bennett and Mayo in 1990
Mayo was also a cast member of the long-running variety show The Sound of Music (not related to the famous musical.)
From 1970 to 1979 she starred in The Super Flying Fun Show, which turned her into a household name.
The show, which went to air live, and ran in the breakfast slot, featured skits, cartoons, an emu puppet and an actor dressed as a life size chicken who was called ‘Wing Ding’.
Mayo was also a regular on the panel show Beauty and the Beast and appeared as an actress in the short-lived soap Holiday Island.
Late in her career she was cast in guest roles in series’ including Home and Away, the original Heartbreak High, E Street and Water Rats.
She retired in 2000.
In 2020 Mayo suffered a devastating stroke. After three months of hospital treatment she was transferred to a care home and underwent more therapy.
In an interview with Woman’s Day last March she shared details of her terrible health ordeal.
‘Almost four years on, I’m learning to walk but it’s a slow, sometimes frustrating process.
‘But I keep smiling. There are always other people worse off. I’ve always tried to remain upbeat in everything I’ve done. My showbiz mantra was keep smiling no matter what happens.’
