Channel Nine star known as the ‘king of late night TV’ dies following long health battle

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Bob Puccetti, a long-time presenter for Channel Nine, has passed away at his home in Tasmania at the age of 93, following a lengthy illness.

This American presenter hosted ‘Mid Dawn’ on Nine in South Australia during the 1980s, a show that featured and supported local businesses.

Mid Dawn aired during commercial breaks while movies were shown on Friday and Saturday nights. During these breaks, Puccetti highlighted businesses throughout the state and shared special deals with viewers.

Puccetti earned a reputation for championing the local business community with immense enthusiasm.

He became known as the ‘king of late-night television’ throughout the state thanks to his energetic and relentlessly positive attitude.

Oh my gosh, and it wasn’t just acting! He had the most incredible voice, and he did voice-overs all the time! Seriously, he narrated documentaries – documentaries about the media scene right here in South Australia! I could listen to him talk about anything, honestly. It was just… perfect.

His passing was confirmed by his daughter, Rina, in a social media post.

Does anyone recall the ‘Midnight to Dawn’ show that aired on Channel 9 in the early to mid-1980s? It was hosted by the well-known Bob Puccetti, who recently passed away at the age of 93, as one person shared.

‘His media career included stints at The News, Channel 9, and 5AA with the late Bob Francis. 

He was also heavily involved in organizing The Look of the Year Quest, a popular modeling competition held in Adelaide throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

‘He was universally liked by everyone who met him and he genuinely loved people.’

Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Puccetti.

‘Wonderful man, remember him on TV fondly,’ one person wrote.

I remember working at Ch9 Adelaide back then, and he was such a memorable person – a truly kind man. I was so saddened to hear he’d passed away, and my thoughts are with his family and friends.

So sorry for his family’s loss. I have fond memories of watching his show growing up – I knew it was a late night if he was on TV! Another fan shared.

‘Absolutely remember that show & Bob! Sorry to hear of his passing, may he RIP,’ another wrote.

I always remember watching his show growing up. If Bob was on TV, I knew I was staying up way too late, haha!

Puccetti is survived by his three children, Rina, Chris and Mike.

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2025-11-04 02:20