Dolly Dyer
Encyclopedia
Dolly Dyer was an Australian radio and TV personality, and wife of fellow game-show host, Bob Dyer
.
's eastern suburbs. Her father died when she was young and she was raised by her mother. The family nickname was "Mack" so she took the name Dolly Mack when she was employed as a showgirl in Sydney's Tivoli Theatre in 1940.
She met her husband there, literally running into him in a doorway. They married within two weeks at St John's, Darlinghurst.
After the war, Bob began the radio version of Pick a Box
, which went to television in the late 50s. Dolly appeared with him, introducing contestants and being a sidekick to Bob's humour.
That year, Bob and Dolly were awarded a Special Gold Logie
In Recognition Of Their Contribution To Australian TV.
Both were listed on the Queen's Birthday Honours list, with Dolly being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire
(MBE). (Bob was not eligible for a substantive award as he was an American citizen, but was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order)
In retirement, Dolly and her husband found time for their shared love of deep-sea fishing. They both broke several records, with Dolly breaking a 12 year women's record for a black marlin weighing 297 kilograms.
After Bob's death in 1984, Dolly took up dancing, winning several medals for her performances.
Bob Dyer
Robert "Bob" Dies OBE , who took the stage name of Bob Dyer, was an American-born vaudeville entertainer, radio personality, and radio and television quiz show host who made his name in Australia. Dyer is best known for the long-running radio and then television quiz show, Pick a Box...
.
Early life
She was born Thelma Phoebe McLean, and grew up in SydneySydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
's eastern suburbs. Her father died when she was young and she was raised by her mother. The family nickname was "Mack" so she took the name Dolly Mack when she was employed as a showgirl in Sydney's Tivoli Theatre in 1940.
She met her husband there, literally running into him in a doorway. They married within two weeks at St John's, Darlinghurst.
Entertainment career
During World War II, Dolly and Bob entertained Allied troops, including performing in South Pacific and New Guinea war zones.After the war, Bob began the radio version of Pick a Box
Pick a Box
Pick a Box was one of first game shows to be broadcast on Australian television. Hosted by the husband and wife team Bob and Dolly Dyer, the program aired from 1957 to 1971.- History :...
, which went to television in the late 50s. Dolly appeared with him, introducing contestants and being a sidekick to Bob's humour.
Retirement
They both retired in 1971, shortly before the last episode of Pick-a-Box was screened.That year, Bob and Dolly were awarded a Special Gold Logie
Logie Awards of 1971
The 13th Annual TV Week Logie Awards were presented on Friday 26 March 1971 at Southern Cross Hotel in Melbourne and broadcast on the Nine Network. Bert Newton from the Nine Network was the Master of Ceremonies. American television actors Michael Cole, Peter Haskell, Bob Crane and Karen Jensen...
In Recognition Of Their Contribution To Australian TV.
Both were listed on the Queen's Birthday Honours list, with Dolly being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
(MBE). (Bob was not eligible for a substantive award as he was an American citizen, but was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order)
In retirement, Dolly and her husband found time for their shared love of deep-sea fishing. They both broke several records, with Dolly breaking a 12 year women's record for a black marlin weighing 297 kilograms.
After Bob's death in 1984, Dolly took up dancing, winning several medals for her performances.