John Richard Burgess (born 4 June 1943) is an Australian television and radio personality and host. He is often referred to as "Burgo" and also sometimes "Baby John Burgess" or "Baby John" from his radio days when he was then the youngest presenter at the station. He has been a staple of the industry for 58 years.[1] He is best known for his long tenure hosting duties on the Australian version of game show Wheel of Fortune and as a breakfast radio host.
John Burgess | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Richard Burgess 4 June 1943 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Other names | Burgo Baby John Burgess (nicknames) |
| Occupation | Australian television presenter & Radio personality |
| Years active | 1965−present |
| Known for | Radio programming Television programs
|
Radio presenter
editBurgess has also hosted numerous radio shows throughout the years, he started in the industry when given a chance opportunity meeting John Laws, and joining his network radio station 2GB.
| 2UW | 1967–1970 |
| 3AK | 1970–1974 |
| 2UW | 1974–1976 |
| 3MP | 1976–1978 |
| 6PM | 1978–1988 |
| 2CH | 1997–2004 |
| 3MP | 2006–2009 |
| 6iX | 2011–2015 2017–2023 |
On 25 September 2006, he started as breakfast show announcer for easy listening radio station 3MP in Melbourne.[2]
On 12 December 2011, he took over from Johnny Young at 6IX Perth, departing the station in December 2015. Burgess returned to 6iX in a new timeslot on 22 April 2017.[3]
Television hosting
editBurgess moved into television in the 1970s, when hosting the teenage music show "Turning On" on the Seven Network station HSV7. The series feature many popular music artists and bands including Zoot and Gilian Fitzgerald, one of the main dancers, and featured Judy Moody and Christine Kelson.
Burgess also hosted the long-running game show Wheel of Fortune on the Seven Network, taking over from original host Ernie Sigley in 1984 and remaining until 1996. He then hosted Catch Phrase on Nine Network; it was eventually renamed Burgo's Catch Phrase.
He also hosted the game show Pass the Buck in 2002, also on Nine Network.
John Burgess joined the cast of the reality comedy series Balls of Steel Australia on The Comedy Channel in 2012.[4]
Health concerns
editIt was announced in February 2022, that Burgess that been admitted to the ICU at Royal Perth Hospital, after having acquired a bacterial infection which caused sepsis. Since being treated for sepsis, Burgess has become an advocate for recognizing symptoms early. He also speaks on his experience as a survivor and continues to struggle with post-sepsis syndrome including fatigue and weakness.[5]
References
edit- ^ "'Baby' John Burgess signs on for Foxtel's Balls of Steel with The Chaser's Craig Reucassel". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney, New South Wales. 14 December 2011. Retrieved 21 February 2012.
- ^ Baby John Forever, The Daily Telegraph, 4 September 2006.
- ^ "Burgo is back". radioinfo.com.au. 27 March 2017. Retrieved 8 April 2017.
- ^ "Garnier becomes principal sponsor of Comedy channel's 'Balls of Steel Australia' and launches integrated campaign featuring John Burgess". 24 January 2012. Campaign Brief. 24 January 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
- ^ "'What I've learnt as a sepsis survivor': John Burgess". Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare. 30 June 2022. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
External links
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