Sale of the Century’s ‘quiz king’ dies peacefully in Melbourne after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease
The quiz king, who rose to fame across Australia in the late 80s for winning Channel Nine’s Sale of the Century 60 times in a row, has died.
Cary Young, 83, has died peacefully with his family by his side in Melbourne after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
On Thursday, his family paid tribute to the quiz legend, who became popular with the audience thanks to his easy-going and relaxed manner.
Cary Young (pictured), the quiz king who rose to fame across Australia in the late 80s for winning Channel Nine’s Sale of the Century 60 times, has died
“People just had this affection for him because he was just this very average person. He wasn’t an academic or a professional,” his daughter Michelle told The Herald Sun.
“He was working at a slaughterhouse when he came on the show — he saw an opportunity to give his family a better life,” she added.
Michelle told the publication her father acquired his incredible general knowledge as a child when he was bedridden with asthma and had nothing to do but read.
Cary Young, 83, has died peacefully with his family by his side in Melbourne after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease
Cary’s success on the show won the hearts of audience and host Tony Barber, who presented the mastermind with the grand prize of a $35,000 fiery red Holden Piazza.
Brydon Coverdale of The Chase, aka The Shark, led the celebrity tributes to the legendary quizmaster.
“Cary became a really recognizable face on Australian television during that time, even though he was just a normal, everyday person,” he said.
On Thursday, his family paid tribute to the quiz legend, who became popular with the audience thanks to his easy-going and relaxed manner
“He went through encyclopedias and sources and wrote down a whole list of names and memorized them,” he added.
Young’s success on the show opened doors for him, and between 2000 and 2006 he wrote a daily quiz for The Herald Sun.
The New Zealand born intellect is survived by his wife Lyn and their children Peter and Michelle.
Cary’s success on the show won the hearts of audience and host Tony Barber, who presented the mastermind with the grand prize of a $35,000 fiery red Holden Piazza