Television personality Johnny Young, who passed away at 79, had a personal life marked by four marriages and significant family tragedies. Eight years before his death, Young only mentioned three wives in an interview, omitting his third marriage.

Young's family announced his passing, stating he died of pancreatic cancer, the same disease that claimed his son, Craig, who was 48. The statement highlighted Young's legacy as the creator, host, and producer of the popular television show "Young Talent Time," which aired from 1971 to 1988 and helped launch the careers of artists like Dannii Minogue and Tina Arena.

Young's personal life was touched by loss from an early age. His first wife died of leukemia in her 20s, and his only son, Craig, succumbed to pancreatic cancer in his mid-40s. Young's family includes his wife Marisha, sister Cornelia, daughters Anna and Fleur, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Young, born Johnny Benjamin Arthur de Jong in the Netherlands, moved to Perth in the 1950s. His entertainment career began as a disc jockey and singer. His first marriage in 1964 was to his childhood sweetheart, Jane, with whom he had his son Craig. After Jane's death, Young married Cathy in 1972, and they had two daughters, Anna and Fleur. Young and Cathy separated in 1995.

In a 2018 interview, Young discussed his marriages, referring to his union with Cathy and then his final marriage to Marisha, an economist. He described his relationship with Marisha, who is Polish-born, as having begun in 2003, stating they had been together for 15 years and that "everything has worked out in the end." He expressed feeling lucky to have met her and treasured every moment.

However, Young's 2018 interview notably overlooked his third marriage to Rose McKimmie. Young married McKimmie on Christmas Eve in 1999 in Bali. He had described McKimmie in a 2000 "Australian Story" episode as "the most beautiful lady in the world." The couple lived in a battery-operated cottage outside Melbourne, but their union ended by 2002.

Young's earliest romantic connections reportedly began in the Netherlands. He also recalled being captivated by Annette Funicello on "The Mickey Mouse Club" as a child, an experience that later inspired "Young Talent Time." He noted that developing musical talent at a young age often garnered interest from girls.