![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/Don_Spencer_in_Sydney%252C_2011_%2528cropped%2529.jpg/640px-Don_Spencer_in_Sydney%252C_2011_%2528cropped%2529.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Don Spencer
Australian children's TV presenter and musician / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Don Spencer?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
Donald Richard Spencer OAM (born 22 March 1937)[1] is an Australian singer-songwriter, musician, and former children's television presenter. He had a long tenure as a host on Play School on both the Australian version (1968–99) and the United Kingdom version (1972–88), one of only two presenters to work on both versions.[3]
Don Spencer | |
---|---|
![]() Spencer in 2011 | |
Born | Donald Richard Spencer (1937-03-22) March 22, 1937 (age 87)[1] Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia |
Children | 2, including Danielle |
Musical career | |
Genres |
|
Occupation(s) |
|
Instrument(s) |
|
Years active | 1962[2]–present |
Labels | ABC Records |
Website | donspencer |
In March 1963, his first single, "Fireball" – the theme tune to a UK TV science fiction series Fireball XL5 – reached No.32 on the UK Singles Chart. In 2002, Spencer established the Australian Children's Music Foundation. On Australia Day (26 January) 2007, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) with the citation "for service to children's music and television as a songwriter and performer, and through the establishment of the Australian Children's Music Foundation". Spencer married Julie Horsfall, they have two children: Dean, a musician; and Danielle, an actress and singer, who was married to actor Russell Crowe between 2003 and 2018. In 2022, he celebrated his 60th year in the performing industry.