Heartbreak for Russell Crowe’s ex wife as her Play School legend father is rushed to hospital

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Don Spencer, the beloved children’s entertainer and former host of Playschool, is currently in the hospital after experiencing a stroke.

A month ago, Danielle Spencer’s father, Spencer, suffered a sudden loss of movement on his right side and was rushed to the emergency room in the middle of the night.

Doctors confirmed he’d suffered a debilitating stroke.

This happened around the time Danielle learned she had a splenic aneurysm – a weakened, bulging spot in an artery leading to the spleen.

88-year-old Spencer shared that he recently spent three weeks in the hospital and, unfortunately, can no longer play music due to the health issue he experienced.

‘I was fully expecting to be told it was just numbness and to go home,’ he posted on Facebook.

‘Instead, I learned I had bleeding in my brain and had suffered a stroke…who, me?!

‘I was admitted immediately and it turned out to be more serious than I’d realised.’

Spencer was a hugely popular host on the Australian children’s program, Play School, appearing on the show from 1968 to 1999.

He hosted the British edition of the show from 1972 to 1988, making him one of just two people to have hosted it in both the UK and the US.

Don shares two children, Danielle and her older brother Dean, with his partner Julie Horsfall.

He expressed his gratitude to his amazing friends and family, particularly his two children, Danielle and Dean, who have supported him throughout everything.

‘I’m so lucky to have you both.’

Don is now recovering at home after being hospitalized due to a stroke, but he’s still dealing with its effects.

Although my right hand is still injured, I’m left-handed, so I’m learning to do things like open jars and even cut my hair using just one hand, he explained.

‘I’ve always cut my own hair, so if I have a bad haircut, I can only blame myself. 

It’s tough being a musician when you can only use one hand, so I’m really focused on regaining the ability to play with both – hoping my left hand recovers enough to make it happen!

Don was born in Tamworth in 1937, and moved to Africa in his teens to pursue a hockey career. 

During his time in Nairobi, he encountered Roger Whittaker, a British singer and songwriter, who inspired him to purchase a guitar.

Once he settled in London, he started working with popular musicians like The Rolling Stones and the Four Seasons, and also hosted shows for the BBC.

When he came back to Australia, he started appearing on the TV show Bandstand and joined the cast of Play School. He also began writing songs for children.

In 2007 he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to children’s music.

Daughter Danielle, 56, is also dealing with a health issue. She and Russell, who married in 2003 and were together for 15 years, share two sons, Charles and Tennyson.

Her splenic aneurysm causes stomach pain and can lead to internal bleeding if it bursts.

Shortly after her father’s stroke on November 6th, she explained that she needed to temporarily disconnect from everything.

I just wanted to express my sincere gratitude for all the kind messages I received after my surgery. They really meant a lot to me, and I’m happy to share that I’m recovering well!

Danielle, like her father, is a singer and announced on Monday that she’ll be releasing new music soon.

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2025-12-02 09:49