Entertainer Jamie Dunn, voice behind beloved puppet Agro, dies aged 76

He was best known for his puppet Agro who lit up TV screens for years.

Entertainer Jamie Dunn, the larger-than-life character behind the beloved puppet Agro, has died at the age of 76.

Dunn passed away at his family home north of Brisbane, in Queensland, this morning.

He was a beloved Aussie TV fixture for three decades as the voice and personality of the children's character and was also a popular radio host.

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The hugely popular TV show Agro's Cartoon Connection went on to win seven Logie Awards.

Ann-Maree Biggar, who was one of Agro's first co-hosts, paid tribute to Dunn.

"I would just like to say thanks," Biggar told 9News Queensland fighting back tears.

"I don't think we're ever going to see that sort of comedy and silliness on Australian television again, we were a one-off.

"I think most Australians should raise a glass tonight to a great Australian icon that we're all going to miss terribly."

The broadcaster wrote and co-produced Agro's Christmas Story in 1988 and A Very Agro Christmas in 1989. He also toured with Agro and had planned more shows this year.

Dunn had featured on Channel Seven's Super Saturday, The Super Sunday Show and Wombat.

He also had successful radio career across multiple networks.

He was an original member of the B105 Morning Crew alongside co-hosts Donna Lynch and Ian Skippen, when the station launched on the FM band in 1990.

Long-time friend of 48 years and 4BC Drive host Gary Hardgrave led the tributes to Dunn, who he described as a "legend".

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"He died suddenly this morning," Hardgrave said on 4BC.

"Apparently he woke up this morning not feeling too well, said to the love of his life Maree 'I'm going to go back to bed for a little while' and unfortunately he passed away there.

"I've known him for a long time, this bloke was an entertainer his whole life.

"He loved the crowds, loved the audience, made everyone laugh and made some people cry with some of the funny stuff he did.

"This bloke was loved, he really was, a big larrikin.

"He had a lot of fun in his life, he had a few challenges in his life but he was always entertaining throughout his life."

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Fellow 4BC presenter Sofie Formica said she started her TV career with him.

"My first audition in 1989 for Wombat was with the man behind the puppet," Formica said.

"That's where my television journey began, from then until our recent reunion at 4BC studios."

Dunn's former employer B105 Brisbane said the radio station has "lost a legend".

"Rest in peace Jamie," the station said on social media.

KIIS FM breakfast team Robin & Kip with Corey Oates described Dunn as an "iconic Brisbane radio presenter".

"His impact on local radio, television and comedy will be remembered by many who grew up watching him," the trio said.

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Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner said Dunn was "a proud Brisbane talent who brought joy to millions of homes across the country".

"For so many Queensland kids like me growing up in the 80s and 90s, Agro's Cartoon Connection was a daily dose of chaos, laughter and cheeky humour," Schrinner said.

"Jamie's quick wit and comic timing turned a puppet into a cultural icon that entertained a generation of Aussies.

"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the many fans who grew up with Jamie and his iconic sense of humour."

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SmoothFM head of programming Peter Clay told The Brisbane Times Dunn's death was a huge loss for the industry.

"Today we lost a giant of the entertainment business, a loved husband of Maree, obviously a father, and one of Australia's great entertainers, and a friend of mine," Clay said.

"We're left with so many incredible audio and visual moments in his and Agro's life.

"He was the voice of Agro for many years on Cartoon Connection and spanned across generations with humour that may not have been understood by the kids watching the shows during those days, but he certainly had a following of adults as well."

Through his work on radio, Dunn raised money for the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation (RCHF).

He once trekked more than 60 kilometres around Brisbane to raise money for the RCHF.

"I am passionate about raising funds to help sick kids as I have seen first hand how the Foundation puts our donations to work in better diagnoses, treatment and ultimately cures for our kids," Dunn said at the time.

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Dunn joined Zinc FM on the Sunshine Coast in 2006.

He and Agro presented the show Zinc Morning Zoo with co-hosts Ian Calder and Courtney Burns.

Dunn was an ambassador for Steve and Terri Irwin's conservationist organisation Wildlife Warriors.

He moved to 4BC in Brisbane from 2009 to 2010 to present a talkback radio show.

Almost a decade later he returned to radio to host a Saturday morning show on the Triple M network.

The radio show proved to be popular and led the breakfast ratings until 2004.

Dunn played dual roles on the show with Agro also enjoying airtime.

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