Ernie Sigley facts for kids

Ernest William Sigley (born September 2, 1938 – died August 15, 2021) was a famous Australian television host, comedian, and singer. He was also a radio presenter and a variety performer. Ernie Sigley was known as a pioneer in Australian radio and TV. People often called him a "little Aussie battler" because he was hardworking and had a funny, cheeky sense of humour.

Ernie Sigley began his career in radio. Later, he became a well-known TV presenter. He was famous for his own show, The Ernie Sigley Show. He also hosted Saturday Night Live. Ernie was the first host of the game show Wheel of Fortune. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he hosted talk shows with his friend Denise Drysdale. He then returned to radio until he retired in 2009.

Ernie Sigley's Early Life and Career

How Ernie Sigley Started in Entertainment

Ernie Sigley was born in Footscray, Melbourne. He was one of seven children. His father worked as a boilermaker. After finishing school at Williamstown High School, Ernie started his career in 1952. He worked at radio station 3DB. His job was to play records for Danny Webb's morning show.

Television began in Australia in 1956. Ernie Sigley made his TV debut in 1957. He hosted a show called Teenage Mailbag. This show was later known as The Teenage Show. It was on the Seven Network's HSV-7. Soon after, he went to London. He gained work experience at the BBC. He then got a bigger opportunity at Radio Luxembourg. He worked there for three years. During this time, he used the name "Ernie Williams."

Ernie Sigley is also remembered for his connection to the Beatles' tour of Australia in 1964. He was involved with their visit to Adelaide. During a press conference, his questions to the Beatles got a lively response from John Lennon. This led to one of the most memorable interviews of their tour.

Ernie Sigley's Radio Career

Ernie Sigley's Return to Radio

In 1981, Ernie Sigley went back to radio station 3DB. He hosted the morning program there. In 1982, he moved to News Talk 3UZ. He hosted the morning show, which was known for its lively presenters.

In 1996, Ernie Sigley joined radio station 3AW. He hosted the afternoon program. He continued to host this show for 12 years. He retired from this role on November 7, 2008. Denis Walter took over his position. After retiring from the afternoon show, Ernie took on a part-time role. He worked with either Bruce Mansfield or Philip Brady. Together, they hosted Nightline on Friday nights.

Ernie Sigley's Television Shows

Ernie Sigley's Variety and Game Shows

Ernie Sigley was part of the first cast of a TV variety show called Sunnyside Up. In the 1960s and early 1970s, he hosted a popular evening variety show in Adelaide. It was called Adelaide Tonight and aired on NWS-9.

In 1974, he became the host of The Ernie Sigley Show. This was a national variety show on the Nine Network. Famous Australian TV stars like Denise Drysdale, Noni Hazlehurst, Pete Smith, and Joy Westmore appeared on the show. The program was suddenly cancelled in 1976. This happened after Ernie got upset off-air. He was angry at the station owner Kerry Packer and producer Peter Faiman. The network had cut his first show of 1976 short. They did this to show a sports awards telecast. Kerry Packer flew to Melbourne the next day. He fired Ernie in person right away. Don Lane then replaced Ernie as host.

After being dismissed in 1976, Ernie Sigley moved to ATV-0. He hosted an early evening variety show called Ernie. Then, in 1978, he hosted The Penthouse. This show later became Saturday Night Live on HSV-7. He co-hosted it with Mary Hardy.

Ernie Sigley was the first host of the Australian version of the popular game show Wheel of Fortune. He hosted it from 1981 to 1984. In 1982, he presented a regional variety program called Six Tonight. This show was from BTV-6 in Ballarat. In 1987, he hosted the daytime talent show Pot Luck.

After a break from television, Ernie Sigley returned in 1989. He teamed up with Denise Drysdale again. They hosted GTV-9's morning program, In Melbourne Today.

Ernie Sigley's Singing Career

Ernie Sigley's Music and Hit Songs

Ernie Sigley started singing as a choir boy. He sang at St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne. In the 1950s, he regularly performed at local town halls. In 1957, his first record was released. It was called "Love Is A Golden Ring".

In 1974, Ernie Sigley recorded a popular song with Denise Drysdale. It was a duet called "Hey Paula". This was a cover of a hit song by the US duo Paul & Paula. Festival Records released it. The song was recorded at Armstrong Studios in Melbourne. Brian Rangott produced and arranged the record. Ian McKenzie was the engineer. The song reached number 2 on the music charts in Australia.

Ernie Sigley often performed around Australia. He sang in clubs. He frequently performed with his television partner, Denise Drysdale.

Awards and Achievements

Ernie Sigley's Logie Awards

Ernie Sigley won the TV Week Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television in 1975. The Gold Logie is a very important award in Australian television. Before that, he had won eleven local Logie Awards. These awards were for his work in Adelaide.

Ernie Sigley's Personal Life

Family and Interests

Ernie Sigley was married three times and divorced twice. He was married to Glenys O'Brien for 47 years. Glenys was also a former television personality. They lived in Glen Iris, a suburb in Melbourne. They had four children together. His son Matthew was a keyboard player. He played for Australian bands like the Earthmen, the Fauves, and Drop City.

Ernie Sigley was a big fan of the Western Bulldogs football team. This team was formerly known as the Footscray Football Club. They play in the Australian Football League. He also supported the South Adelaide Football Club. This team plays in the South Australian National Football League.

Ernie Sigley once owned a hotel. It was called the Radio Springs Hotel. It is located in Lyonville, in country Victoria.

In October 2016, Ernie Sigley's family announced something sad. He had Alzheimer's disease. This is a condition that affects memory and thinking. He passed away on August 15, 2021, at the age of 82.

Ernie Sigley's TV and Movie Appearances

Selected TV Shows

Acting Roles

Ernie Sigley's Music Albums and Songs

Studio Albums

Charting Singles

See also

In Spanish: Ernie Sigley para niños