Shock as legendary Play School star Janet Kingsbury dies aged 85

Shock as legendary Play School star Janet Kingsbury dies aged 85

As a child of the ’70s and ’80s, I can vividly recall the energy and enthusiasm that Janet Kingsbury brought to our living rooms each day through Play School. Her teddy bear co-stars and I grew up together, learning, feeling, and imagining with her. It’s a bittersweet moment to learn of her passing, as she was undoubtedly one of the original stars who helped shape my early years.


Veteran Play School presenter Janet Kingsbury died earlier this month aged 85.

As a lifestyle guide, I can share that, although no explicit reason was mentioned, it was generally thought that her health may have been compromised post her retirement from the entertainment industry in 2016 – according to TV Tonight’s reports.

From 1969 to 1986, the entertainer who hailed from England shared hosting duties on an ABC kids’ program that had a long run.

On the cherished program, Janet stood out as one of the initial cast members, earning acclaim for maintaining an infectious energy and excitement while performing alongside her cuddly costars.

1968 marked the start of her successful acting journey, when she first appeared as a guest star on the well-loved children’s show, Skippy the Bush Kangaroo.

For several coming decades, Janet made appearances on numerous well-known Australian shows such as A Country Practice, Home and Away, GP, and All Saints.

Shock as legendary Play School star Janet Kingsbury dies aged 85

In 2016, she made a special appearance as a guest star in the drama series Doctor Doctor on Channel Nine, acting alongside Rodger Corser and Ryan Johnson.

Throughout her illustrious career, the energetic showman collaborated with several well-known Australian artists, such as Steve Bisley, John Jarratt, Ray Meagher, and Georgie Parker.

Janet was wedded to the Australian director, Arch Nicholson, known for directing episodes of series such as Mission: Impossible and The Flying Doctors, between 1972 and his passing away in 1990.

In 1987, she featured in her spouse’s movie titled “Dark Age,” which depicted a menacing crocodile terrorizing rural Australia. This film also starred John Jarratt, known for his role in Wolf Creek, and the esteemed David Gulpilil.

Janet tended to keep her personal affairs confidential, and thus, information regarding whether she had any offspring together with her spouse remains largely unknown.

Her sad demise occurred merely weeks following the untimely death in Sydney of another longtime Play School presenter, Ken Shorter, at the age of 79.

Across its 58 years on the air, Play School has been hosted by around 100 presenters.

For generations, families have enjoyed observing renowned hosts guide young preschoolers in learning, feeling, and using their imagination on a delightful educational show.

Shock as legendary Play School star Janet Kingsbury dies aged 85
Shock as legendary Play School star Janet Kingsbury dies aged 85

By September 2023, ABC Australia will reveal some fascinating insights into the production of the beloved children’s TV show, Play School.

The broadcaster posted a video to TikTok, revealing the reality of filming the long-running children’s show.

In the video, Andrew and Kaeng can be spotted as they sing, with plush toys such as Humpty and Big Ted in their hands, aboard a small boat.

After that, the camera pulls back to show various actors seated on the ground, swaying a blue cloth from one side to another in order to mimic ocean waves.

Others are also seen holding birds and fish on longs sticks and slowly moving them into the frame.

The post comes after ZoĆ« Foster Blake recently made an appearance on the long-running ABC children’s series.

42-year-old writer of “The Wrong Girl” posted pictures on Instagram in March, showcasing her trip to the Play School set, accompanied by some thrilling comments.

When the teddy bears at Play School won’t settle down for bedtime, it’s none other than Pyjama Woman they seek assistance from, as she herself put it in her post.

Read More

2024-11-27 02:27

Previous post First trailer for Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor’s new thriller
Next post ‘Vanderpump Rules’ will have a brand-new cast next season, like it or not