Jamie Dunn, beloved radio, TV personality and voice behind the iconic puppet Agro, dies aged 75

Jamie Dunn, the sharp-witted television genius who gave a voice to one of Australia’s most famous puppets — Agro — has passed away at the age of 75.

The Brisbane entertainer and television personality rose to national fame in the 1990s as the star of the children’s program Agro’s Cartoon Connection.

Dunn transformed a bathmat into a cultural phenomenon, making Agro one of the most recognisable faces — and voices — in the country.

Dunn’s brilliance wasn’t confined to kids TV.

His sharp-as-a-tack wit and ability to connect with the everyday Aussie made him a household name long after the cameras stopped rolling on his TV career.

He was also a powerhouse on the airwaves, dominating Brisbane’s radio industry for years.

As a cornerstone of B105’s Morning Crew, he led the station through a historic run of ratings success.

Radio and television presenter Sofie Formica paid tribute to Dunn on Saturday via Instagram, saying she owes her career to the legendary “man behind the puppet”.

“My first audition in 1989 for Wombat was with the man behind the puppet,” she said.

“And that’s where my television journey began, from then until our most recent reunion at 4BC studios.”

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner also took to Instagram to pay tribute to Dunn.

“For so many Queensland kids like me growing up in the 80s and 90s, Agro’s Cartoon Connection was a daily dose of chaos, laughter and cheeky humour,” he wrote.

“Jamie’s quick wit and comic timing turned a puppet into a cultural icon that entertained a generation of Aussies.

“Jamie was a proud Brisbane talent who brought joy to millions of homes across the country.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the many fans who grew up with Jamie and his iconic sense of humour. Rest in peace, Jamie.”

Agro’s long-term Cartoon Connection colleague Ranger Stacey Thomson also paid tribute to the TV legend.

“(It’s) horribly sad news,” she told TV Blackbox.

“There is a big hole in my heart – Jamie and I were close, constant friends for almost 40 years, from the hey day of Agro’s Cartoon Connection to recent times touring Agro Up Late together.

“To me, Jamie was brilliant, hilarious, sharp-witted, and above all a kind and loyal friend. My condolences to his wife Maree and family. I’m going to miss him.”

Terasa Livingstone — a long-time co-host of Agro’s Cartoon Connection — couldn’t believe the news.

“AGRO will never speak again. I’m so sad. The loss of a legend. A massive piece of Australia’s childhood just died, I know mine certainly did,” she said.

“I Will miss you mate. Some of the happiest moments of my childhood were working with you - You taught me how to be a television host,

“There wont be another like you Jamie, You’ve always held a very special place in my heart my friend. You always will. You were such a funny bastard. I’m so sorry I never got to see you again. I love you. I’m so sad you’re gone. thank you and I love you. See you again someday I hope.”

Long time Sunshine Coast radio host Caroline Hutchinson remembered Dunn as the “king” of radio.

“When I was a kid, he was the bloke I raced home to watch on Wombat,” she said.“When I grew up and moved to Queensland, he was the king of radio. The KING,“Today, with so much still to do, he passed away peacefully at home with his beloved Maree. Vale my friend. You will never be forgotten.”