Johnny Young, 'Young Talent Time' Host and 'Step Back' Singer, Dies at 79

Australian entertainer Johnny Young died on Friday, August 14, 2026, at age 79 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, his family announced. Young created and hosted the long-running variety show Young Talent Time, sang the 1966 number-one hit “Step Back”, and shaped Australian pop music and television for more than six decades.

Editor’s note: This article draws on family statements quoted by ABC News, Nine, and other Australian outlets reporting on August 14, 2026.

Who was Johnny Young?

Born Johnny Benjamin De Jong, Young began as a teenage pop singer in the 1960s before expanding into songwriting, record production, radio, and television.

Role	Detail
Television	Creator, host, and producer of Young Talent Time (1971–1988)
Music	1966 chart-topper “Step Back”; wrote and produced hits including “The Real Thing” (Russell Morris) and “Smiley”
Education	Founded the Johnny Young School for young singers and performers
Later work	Radio host, live performer, executive producer on the 2012 Young Talent Time revival

His family described him as “the creator, host and producer of the much-loved television show Young Talent Time” and credited him with writing and producing “many iconic hit songs.”

Young Talent Time and its legacy

Young Talent Time debuted on Network Ten in 1971 and ran for 18 years until 1988, when the network cancelled it amid declining ratings. The weekly variety program became a training ground for young Australian performers and a fixture of family television.

Performers who emerged from the show include:

• Tina Arena
• Dannii Minogue
• Debra Byrne
• Jamie Redfern

Each episode traditionally closed with Young and the cast performing the Beatles song “All My Loving” — one of his signature moments on air.

The series returned in 2012 with Young serving as executive producer and judge. In 2021, he joined former cast members including Arena and Minogue for Young Talent Time: Unplugged, marking the show’s 50th anniversary.

Family statement and survivors

Young’s family released a statement on Friday confirming his death and asking for privacy.

He is survived by his third wife Marisha, sister Cornelia, daughters Anna and Fleur, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His son Craig is listed as deceased; reports note Craig also died of pancreatic cancer at age 48.

The family said details of a memorial service will be announced soon.

A career spanning six decades

Young’s influence stretched well beyond a single hit or a single series.

Early pop success

“Step Back” reached number one in 1966, establishing Young as a chart artist before he pivoted toward production and television. Songs he wrote or produced — notably “The Real Thing” for Russell Morris — remain touchstones of Australian rock and pop.

Television production

As host and producer of Young Talent Time, Young combined contemporary pop performances, young talent, and family variety in a format that ran nearly two decades. The show’s cancellation in 1988 did not end his involvement with the brand; he remained connected to its legacy through revivals and anniversary events into the 2020s.

Mentorship and education

Through the Johnny Young School and his ongoing work across radio and live performance, Young provided pathways for emerging singers beyond the main television series — reinforcing his role as a builder of Australian entertainment infrastructure, not only a performer.

Industry and public reaction

News of Young’s death spread across Australian media on the morning of August 14, 2026, with major outlets including ABC and Nine carrying the family’s announcement. Tributes from former Young Talent Time alumni and entertainment figures are expected as memorial plans are confirmed.

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Discussion

1. Does a show like Young Talent Time still have a place on mainstream television today?

Reality competitions and short-form platforms now dominate how young performers are discovered. Would a weekly family variety format find an audience, or has the model been replaced?

2. How should we remember entertainers who built institutions rather than a single hit?

Young’s chart success, production credits, and Young Talent Time each tell part of the story. Which dimension matters most when assessing his impact on Australian culture?

If you grew up watching Young Talent Time or discovered Young through “Step Back” or “The Real Thing”, what stays with you from his work?

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This article is news and general health information, not personal medical advice. For questions about pancreatic cancer symptoms, risk factors, or screening, consult a qualified healthcare professional.