An Australian version of the show debuted on Channel Seven in September 1975 with journalist Mike Willesee as host until August 1976.
The series ran until 1980 with hosts Digby Wolfe (1976) and newsreader Roger Climpson (pictured) (1977 – 1980) taking over as the host – at one time becoming Australia’s highest-rating television show – before eventual cancellation by the network in 1980.
Recipients of the tribute during that time included actors such as Rod Taylor, Leonard Teale, Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell, June Bronhill, David Gulpilil and Gordon Chater; television personalities including Maggie Tabberer, Toni Lamond and Bobby Limb; musicians Johnny O’Keefe, Peter Allen, Olivia Newton-John, Slim Dusty, Col Joye, Robie Porter (Rob E.G) and Bee Gees Barry Gibb and Maurice Gibb; sports stars such as John Newcombe, Lionel Rose, Johnny Famechon, tennis star Frank Sedgman and yachtsman Bill Northam; and politicians including Don Dunstan, Neville Bonner and Al Grassby.
The Nine Network relaunched the program in 1995 with a successful 10-year run hosted by journalist Mike Munro (honouring guests including Bert Newton, Dick Smith and original host Mike Willesee) and an additional season in 2008.
An abortive attempt to relaunch the show again in 2011 (with host Eddie McGuire) was unsuccessful.
Host
Mike Willesee (1975-1976)
Digby Wolfe (1976)
Roger Climpson (1977-1980)
Mike Munro (1995-2005, 2008)
Video
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The series ran until 1980 with hosts Digby Wolfe (1976) and newsreader Roger Climpson (pictured) (1977 – 1980) taking over as the host – at one time becoming Australia’s highest-rating television show – before eventual cancellation by the network in 1980.
