Beloved Australian TV icon known for her role in famed kids' show dies after health struggle
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 1990Read More Industry in mourning as beloved Australian TV icon dies aged 62 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.'
