Beloved Australian children’s artist Michael ‘Gibbo’ Gibson died on Monday aged 69 after a long battle with dementia.
The veteran television presenter appeared in Channel Seven’s iconic variety series, Agro’s Cartoon Connection, alongside the famous puppet character.
His wife Carol confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement on Facebook: “Many of you will already know of the passing of my lovely husband Michael.
‘He left us after another battle with dementia and, although it was sad to see him, I am grateful that he is now free. He was the brightest of us and we were very fortunate to share his time.”
Gibbo was famous for always wearing painter’s overalls on the show, while promoting it alongside co-presenters Ann-Maree Biggar and Terasa Livingstone.
Beloved Australian children’s artist Michael ‘Gibbo’ Gibson (pictured) died on Monday aged 69 after a long battle with dementia.
The veteran TV presenter appeared in Channel Seven’s iconic variety series Agro’s Cartoon Connection alongside the famous puppet character (pictured in 1993).
He was born in 1954 and had a lifelong passion for acting, attending the National Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sydney in 1977 along with Mel Gibson, who is not related to him.
Michael also worked behind the scenes and co-produced Agro during his run on the show from 1990 to 1996.
He also worked for the Nine Network in Brisbane for many years, as a program promotions manager, producer, writer and broadcaster.
Gibbo was famous for always wearing painter’s overalls on the show, as he was featured alongside co-presenters Ann-Maree Biggar and Terasa Livingstone.
Michael also worked behind the scenes and co-produced Agro during his run on the show from 1990 to 1996.
The Queensland-based artist also frequently appeared on Hit Network’s B105 FM in Brisbane as a guest presenter and comedy actor.
Farm puppeteer Jamie Dunn paid tribute to his former colleague on social media: ‘Goodbye my funny friend. You were very funny 100% of the time.
“I have nothing but wonderful memories of you.”
Gibbo is survived by his wife Carol, whom he married in 1977, and their two children.
