Radio and TV star Jonathan Coleman dies after battle with prostate cancer

Radio and TV star Jonathan Coleman has died, aged 65. His wife Margot paid tribute to her “soulmate”, saying he had a “special gift to make people laugh”.

Eternally youthful radio and television funnyman Jonathan Coleman has lost his four-year battle with prostate cancer. He was 65.

The radio and television star died on Friday night with his wife Margot and two children, Oscar, 27, and Emily, 24, by his side in the palliative care unit at Wolper Jewish Hospital in Sydney’s Woollahra.

Coleman confirmed the cancer diagnosis in 2018 after his GP ­detected the disease during a routine blood test the year before.

Later found to have the cancer-causing BRCA2 gene mutation, the cancer had already spread to Coleman’s lymph nodes, bones and spine by the time it was discovered.

Coleman and his wife devoted themselves to his recovery for the next three years. He endured chemotherapy, testosterone injections and weeks of radiotherapy, also confirming he had radically changed his diet and given up red meat, sugar and wine.

TV and radio personality Jono Coleman died from prostate cancer.

Jonathan Coleman with his wife Margot.

Coleman’s heartbroken wife Margot Fitzpatrick confirmed her husband’s death in a statement on Saturday.

“Jono and I have been soulmates for close to 40 years. We have been fortunate to live a rich and wonderful life and I have been lucky enough to watch up-close someone with enormous talent and the special gift to make people laugh,” she said.

“When I asked Jono recently how he wanted to be remembered, he said, ‘For doing a good deed every day.’ Such was the generosity and caring nature of the love of my life.

“We will find the time to bring together all those close to him to celebrate his life when circumstances permit.”

Jonathan with his wife Margot, son Oscar and daughter Emily.

His son Oscar tweeted “Love you Dad” and Australian actor Russell Crowe posted his condolences in the message thread.

“Hey Oscar, I’m really sorry to hear this news. Your dad was a lovely man,” Russell Crowe wrote.

“It must be an awful time for you right now. My deepest condolences.”

Love you dad. Rest in Peace @jonocoleman. pic.twitter.com/pxK0qCpNEt

— Oscar Coleman (@OscarBColeman) July 10, 2021

Coleman’s distinguished media career spanned four decades. Having first found fame on television in 1979 as a member of the original line-up of Simon Townsend’s Wonder World!, the one-time ad industry graphic designer went on to his greatest career success in this country as one half of the popular 1980s radio show Jono and Dano, alongside partner Ian Rogerson.

On Saturday, Rogerson led the online tributes for the effervescent presenter who in 2015 received an OAM for services to the broadcast media and the community.

“My dear mate and partner in crime has passed away,” Rogerson said. “All my love to Margot, Emily and Oscar. We had a million laughs and I know whenever I think of him I will smile. We will raise a glass or 12 to him tonight. See you on the other side, mate.”

Jono and Dano, radio and television team.

Jonathan Coleman, pictured in 1986, had a long career in TV.

The Jono and Dano partnership landed the pair a television gig in 1988 when Channel 7 recruited the duo to host weekend music show Saturday Morning Live.

When Seven cancelled the program after two seasons, Coleman and his wife moved to Britain.

There he was in demand for the next 16 years hosting radio programs on BBC, Virgin Radio and Heart 106.2 – including the coveted breakfast show alongside Russ Williams on Virgin until 1997.

During these years he made regular appearances on television shows for BBC and ITV.

Upon his return to Australia in 2006, where he presented the award-winning My Generation for the ARN network from 2004-10, he was partnered with Julia Zemiro on The Jonathan Coleman Experience on WSFM.

Jonathan Coleman has died. Picture: James Gourley

Zemiro also paid tribute to her former partner: “Jono Coleman. You beautiful man. I loved being your co-host for two years on radio. You brought nothing but sunshine every day.”

In 2009 he reunited with Rogerson on WSFM taking the show to the No.2 drive timeslot on FM radio in Sydney and Melbourne.

Born in Hackney, London, in 1956, Coleman was most recently a fixture on Network 10’s Studio 10 program.

Coleman never gave up hope concerning his illness, telling The Australian Women’s Weekly in 2018 that he felt lucky to have been born with a sense of humour.

“I have a wife and two kids and I’m working in an industry I love,” Coleman said.

“I’ve been very lucky.”

The family would like to thank Professor Anthony Joshua and all the doctors and nurses who have lovingly cared for Jonathan. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, garvan.org.au or the Movember foundation, au.movember.com

Originally published as Radio and TV star Jonathan Coleman dies after battle with prostate cancer