Don Lane - the Lanky Yank Dies Aged 75

Don Lane was born Morton Donald Isaacson in New York City on 13 November 1933 and raised in The Bronx. He started his entertainment career as a nightclub singer and was drafted into the US Army in the 50s and commissioned as an officer. After leaving the Army, he returned to tour as an entertainer for the US troops for several years. He won two awards on Ed Sullivan Show for his talented performances.

In 1965, he emigrated to Australia and soon became a television personality with his own tonight show. Comedian, singer, dancer, showman, the Lanky Yank (as he was nicknamed) was warmly adopted by Australian television audiences.

In 1975, the Nine Network launched The Don Lane Show out of Melbourne. It ran until 1983 and provided Don with the opportunity to interview and perform with some of the world's foremost entertainers. He and his side-kick, Bert Newton, developed a strong on and off-screen friendship and Bert presented a fitting tribute show this evening on Australia's Nine Network.

Lane - who was once the highest paid man on Australian television - won 15 Logie Awards during his long career and was inducted into the TV Week Logie Hall of Fame in 2003. He continued working on radio and television specials and was renowned for "just being himself". In fact, some say he was funnier off screen than he was on. He made a guest appearance on the ABC's Late Show in 1993 and hosted American NFL broadcasts for the ABC in the 1990s.

Diagnosed with dementia in 2005, Don's only son, PJ Lane is said to be devastated by his father's death, as is Jayne Ambrose, his manager and former wife.

Fond recollections
My recollections of The Don Lane Show are still vivid. Don danced, sung and joked his way through his show. It is hard to recall anyone on Australian television who enjoyed themselves so much while performing. His show became a showcase for visiting international entertainers. Sammy Davis Jnr. was a regular on the show, and Liza Minnelli, Vic Damone, Tina Turner and Debbie Reynolds are just a few he sang duets with.

Tributes
Don Lane's private funeral was held this morning (23 October) and a memorial service is to be held soon. Tributes are pouring in to television channels in Australia, the press and morning shows are focusing on this amazing person by interviewing many of his friends and colleagues in show business.

No other American expatriate has ever had the impact on Australia and Australians than Don Lane.

Sources:
My personal recollections
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26245589-952,00.html
http://www.theage.com.au/national/tv-legend-don-lane-dead-20091022-hamw.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/22/2721360.htm