Legendary Australian entertainer and puppeteer Ernie Carroll, best known as the man behind Hey Hey It’s Saturday‘s Ossie Ostrich, has died, aged 92.

In a Facebook post Daryl Somers said, “God bless Ernie (Ossie Ostrich).

“It is with overwhelming sadness I announce the passing of my beloved friend and mentor Ernie Carroll.

Ernie passed away peacefully early this morning in the presence of his family. He was 92 and died of natural causes in his unit at a Mornington retirement village.

“Ernie was a pioneer of television starting back in the 50s, coming from a radio background to GTV9 when television was in its infancy.

“It was a voyage of discovery as no-one really knew how television worked. It called upon the many talents of all involved. In Ernie’s case he was a cartoonist, camera operator, sponsor liaison officer, producer, writer, on camera character playing Professor Ratbaggy and, as himself, illustrating and narrating the adventures of Joybelle in the kids shows he also produced out of GTV9 in the 60s. He wrote comedy for the King of variety television, Graham Kennedy, on ‘In Melbourne Tonight’.

“Of course he was best known for his creation of Oswald Q Ostrich (Ossie), my lovable and nonsensically funny ‘sidekick’ on Hey Hey It’s Saturday for 25 of its 30 year run. A tribute was paid to Ernie on our recent 50th anniversary special.

“I am so grateful for Ernie’s early guidance of my career. He auditioned me for the hosting role on Cartoon Corner back in early 1971.

“He was a man of few words with a quiet countenance but when he did speak he imparted great wisdom.

“I loved him very much and along with my wife Julie send our deepest sympathies to his daughter Lynne, son Bruce, his grandchildren and his partner of almost 50 years, Miffy Marsh. The family have requested privacy at this time.

“Rest in peace Ern,

“Forever in my heart,

“Daryl”

This post updates.