
A beloved radio star who was the voice behind a popular puppet has died aged 76. Brit-born entertainer Jamie Dunn rose to fame as the voice behind Australian TV puppet Agro, and also presented local radio. He died "suddenly" at home in Brisbane, with tributes pouring in from his colleagues and fans.
Jamie’s longtime friend, 4BC Drive host Gary Hardgrave, led the tributes to the star, as he shared some details about his final hours. He said: "Apparently, he woke up this morning not feeling too well, said to the love of his life, Maree ‘I’m going to go back to bed for a little while’ and unfortunately, he passed away there.
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"I’ve known him for a long time, this bloke was an entertainer his whole life. He loved the crowds, loved the audience, made everyone laugh and made some people cry with some of the funny stuff he did.
"This bloke was loved, he really was, a big larrikin."
Another of Jamie's friends and former colleague Brett Debritz called Jamie a "mastermind", adding: "Dunn was a giant of Brisbane radio — the comedic backbone of the B105 Morning Crew."
Jamie's former co-host Ann-Maree Biggar also spoke on TV to pay him an emotional tribute, as she struggled to hold back her tears.
She told 9 News: "I would just like to say thanks. I don’t think we’re ever going to see that sort of comedy and silliness on Australian television again, we were a one-off.
"I think most Australians should raise a glass tonight to a great Australian icon that we’re all going to miss terribly."
Jamie catapulted to fame in the 80s when he starred in Agro’s Cartoon Connection, taking over the character in 1982 after the original puppeteer left Channel 7.
Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner called Dunn "a proud Brisbane talent who brought joy to millions of homes across the country”.
He added: "For so many Queensland kids like me growing up in the 80s and 90s, Agro’s Cartoon Connection was a daily dose of chaos, laughter and cheeky humour. Jamie’s quick wit and comic timing turned a puppet into a cultural icon that entertained a generation of Aussies.
"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the many fans who grew up with Jamie and his iconic sense of humour."