A beloved presenter of the ABC children’s program Play School, “Naughty John” Hamblin, died on Wednesday aged 87.
Hamblin hosted the popular program for almost 30 years, and is remembered as one of the most iconic members of the show’s cast.
He began hosting the show in 1970, and appeared in more than 350 episodes during his run with the cast.
Hamblin became affectionately known as “Naughty John” while hosting the show, for his cheeky sense of humour.
Hard to overstate the parasocial relationships kids of my generation had with John and Benita and Noni. RIP king. https://t.co/uVU7HIp2P2
— Josephine Tovey (@Jo_Tovey) September 21, 2022
He retired from the show in 1999, only returning once as a special guest as part of Play School’s 50th Anniversary special in 2016.
Play School is the longest running children’s show in Australia, and the second longest running children’s show in the world, behind British series Blue Peter.
This is sad. John and Benita were Playschool for so long. https://t.co/wBeONq4pKy
— Josh Taylor (@joshgnosis) September 21, 2022
It has been running since 18 July 1966, and was admitted to the Logies’ Hall of Fame in 2006, only the third show to achieve that after Four Corners (1992) and Neighbours (2005).
Vale Naughty John. You crafted Play School into superb viewing for kids and parents alike. So many laugh out loud moments. Thoughts with his family. https://t.co/dk43Aih7FB
— Jenny Brockie (@JenBrockie) September 21, 2022
So sad to hear about John Hamblin’s passing. Grew up with him in Play School and was stoked when I got to play his son in “Away” at the @SydneyTheatreCo
— David Campbell OAM (@DavidCampbell73) September 21, 2022
My condolences to his family pic.twitter.com/pWYxPJVI2y
In a statement, ABC Director Entertainment & Specialist, Jennifer Collins, said Hamblin was an “unforgettable presenter” and had a “wicked sense of humour.
“John was an unforgettable presenter whose comedic timing and wit helped cement Play School as one of Australia’s most cherished children’s programs.”
“John had a wicked sense of humour and was not afraid of a double-entendre. His presence always managed to keep both our toddler target audience and their parents equally engaged with the show.
“I would like to extend my condolences to John’s family at this sad time.”
Hamblin is survived by his children Emma and Myles.
