Legendary Australian radio presenter Ron E Sparks dies at 73 – as Amanda Keller and Brendan Jones lead tributes
Legendary Australian radio presenter Ron E Sparks has died at the age of 73.
Ron’s former WSFM101.7 colleagues Amanda Keller and Brendan Jones announced the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Saturday.
Alongside a photo of Ron hard at work in his radio booth, they wrote these tragic words: ‘We are devastated to announce this heartbreaking news.
‘The passing of former WSFM announcer Ron E Sparks. Vale.’
No cause of death has yet been released.
Ron was born in 1951 and began his radio career in the 1970s in Sydney, as a voice actor for the popular AM radio station 2SM.
His distinctive voice saw him transition to television as the host of many popular game shows, including Wheel of Fortune and Hot Streak.
In the 1970s he also briefly presented the legendary ABC music program Countdown.
During his career he interviewed many world famous celebrities, including the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.
Heartbroken fans were quick to express their grief over Ron’s passing on social media.
Legendary Australian radio personality Ron E Sparks (pictured) has died at the age of 73
‘Absolutely devastated to hear of Sparks’ death. A legend of the airwaves. The man who took me from 2SM to 2UW in 1979 where I remained for the next 21 years. Have a heavenly Maccas for me big fella,’ wrote radio veteran Trevor Sinclair.
“Sad news. Vale Ron,” a second person added.
Sparks caused a stir in 2001 for presenters Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson when they were working at 2Day FM in Sydney.
Ron’s former WSFM101.7 colleagues Amanda Keller and Brendan Jones announced the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Saturday
Alongside a photo of Ron hard at work in his radio booth, they wrote some heartbreaking words: ‘We are devastated to announce the heartbreaking news
Kyle recalled in his autobiography Scandilands that Sparks angrily reprimanded him for smoking in the studio.
“Sparks had every right – He complained a million times to everyone at the station about the smoking situation. I was a disrespectful 30 year old brat who needed a good a**e kick,” Kyle wrote.
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
During his career he interviewed many world famous celebrities, including the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali (left)
