Marilyn Mayo passes away leaving a legacy in Australian television
The star is best remembered for her years as a children's TV host of the 1970s program, The Super Flying Fun Show.
She was affectionately referred to as Miss Marilyn on the show, which was loved by Aussie kids.
Mayo later starred as Dusty the barmaid on the '80s soap, Holiday Island, then as a panelist on the show, Beauty and the Beast, hosted by John Laws and Clive Robertson.
The actress also appeared in guest roles on Home and Away, Water Rats, Heartbreak High, E Street, and A Country Practice.
She retired from showbiz in 2000.
"Another special friend and a bonafide Aussie showbiz favourite has left us. At 7am, Marilyn Mayo passed away," Australian entertainment journalist Craig Bennett shared on Facebook.
Bennett spoke about Mayo's ill-health, revealing that in 2020, she suffered a devastating brain hemorrhage from which she miraculously battled back.
"Marilyn was a total one-off - a wonderful wit, whip smart, and the best company," he recalled. "We'd known each other since 1980 when she hired me as movie reviewer/presenter on The Harry & Ralph Show."
"Marilyn started her showbiz life as a dancer on Bandstand. She was a legend to millions of kids in the 70s as Miss Marilyn, star of The Super Flying Fun Show.
"She was Dusty the barmaid on Holiday Island (oh the stories!!!), and was fab on Beauty & The Beast."
Bennett explained that Mayo's daughters, Katrina Medina and Lillian Lyon, asked him to share the news.
"(They) 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."
