Dannii Minogue has expressed her grief following the death of Australian television pioneer Johnny Young, who died at age 79 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Young, best known as the host and producer of the beloved variety show "Young Talent Time," was instrumental in launching Minogue's career.
Minogue, 54, shared a series of photographs and clips from her time on the show, writing on Instagram, "Johnny Young holds a place in so many hearts, and today my heart is broken." She joined "Young Talent Time" as a cast member at age eight, becoming a familiar face to millions of Australian viewers throughout the 1980s.
She credited Young with providing the opportunity that set her on a path to a decades-long career in entertainment. Minogue praised his contributions to music, songwriting, and family television, noting that his show delivered "17 years of colour, choreography, sequins, music and smiles to our Saturday nights." She also extended condolences to Young's family and the extended "Young Talent Time" community.
Minogue's older sister, Kylie Minogue, who also appeared on the show, commented on the post, stating, "Embedded into all our hearts and memories. YTT 4 Ever and RIP Johnny Young." She added that the formative years on the show created a family-like bond for her sister and the team.
"Young Talent Time" ran from 1971 to 1988, with Young hosting for its entire duration. The program is also credited with discovering other stars, including Tina Arena. Arena also paid tribute to Young on Instagram, writing, "I'm struggling to find the words today to express the profound loss of a man who allowed, and equally encouraged, me to find my voice!"
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shared on X that Young gave Australia "the gift of joy." He described Young as "a wonderful singer in his own right" who established himself "in our homes and our hearts as the genial and generous host of Young Talent Time, the launchpad for an incredible new generation of entertainers."
After six years on "Young Talent Time," Minogue departed in 1988 to pursue an acting career, subsequently launching her music career in the 1990s. She has since released five albums, achieved nine Top 10 singles, and 13 consecutive number-one dance singles in the United Kingdom. Minogue has also served as a judge on talent shows such as "The X Factor UK" and "Australia's Got Talent."