Vale: Reg Whiteman
Farewell to the man behind the beloved kid's character Fat Cat, Reg Whiteman, who has passed away aged 82.
- Published by David Knox
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Reg Whiteman, who was the man who entertained as Fat Cat for several decades, died in Perth on Thursday, aged 82.
Whiteman died in Royal Perth Hospital following poor health.
A founding member of the WA Ballet Company, he worked on TVW’s variety program as one quarter of dance troupe Guys and Dolls, and performed at the opening broadcast of Perth’s Channel 2 in 1960.
He hung up his Fat Cat suit 20 years ago but remained an integral part of Seven and was remembered by colleagues as a “terrific gentleman” who was passionately committed to his feline alter ego.
Telethon executive director John Crilly said, “Reg lived and breathed that character. Presenter Keith Geary, who worked alongside Whiteman, described him as “tough as old boots”, saying he did not shy away from a challenge, whether it be skiing, hot-air ballooning or paragliding in the Fat Cat costume.
“We had to pull him out of the river and wring him out once and I remember another time when we accidentally set him on fire,” he said. “But, with Reg, the show would always go on.”
The character was created by Greg Byrne and his wife Judith in a competition with the prize being $100, but it went on to become a national character including being produced later in Adelaide where Ralf Hadzic played the role. Fat Cat and Friends was written, directed and produced by Murray George for 13 years.
In Perth, the larger-than-life feline continues to send kids to bed every night at 7.30pm.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9wfKfpKIKo[/youtube]
Source: Yahoo, news.com.au
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- Tagged with Fat Cat and Friends, Fat Cat’s Funtime Show, Telethon
11 Responses
Here’s the tribute video; youtube.com/watch?v=SykQlgshZ80
Reg was my Pop’s brother. He was a talented man.
Video has been removed David
Oh how sad, another person from my childhood gone. Seven should show some repeats of Fat Cat sometime, would love to see it again.
Rip Reg. I love Fat Cat as a kid. Mr Squiggle and Fat Cat both died this year.
i remember those 7am weekdays & 4 pm weekdays
the good old days of tv in perth
David thank you for bring us Reg Whiteman tribute. Its so important we recognise the pioners of Television .
What a great tribute- did you do the video David? Great job to whover did it. I loved Fat Cat when i was a kid….
No.
Thanks Reg xxx
A wonderful man who put his heart and soul into a much loved children’s character and brought joy to millions of children over the years. Rest in Peace Reg.