Tributes pour in for Don Lane

The American-born performer died at a Sydney care facility with his ex-wife and manager Jayne Ambrose, and son PJ by his side.

He was 75 years old. "His son is devastated and Australia has suffered a great loss today," Ambrose said.

"It's a very sad day for the family."

PJ Lane, who had been caring for his father, was due to play at Melbourne Alzheimer's fundraiser Show Compassion 2009 on Thursday night.

He recently said he had come to know "just how difficult it can be for the families of those stricken with the disease and how much care is required to ensure a quality of life for their loved ones".

The show was changed to a tribute concert dedicated to Lane and his family. Lane was best known for his work on the hugely successful Don Lane Show on the Nine Network from 1975 until 1983.

Bert Newtown pays tribute to 'Lanky Yank'

His old sparring partner Bert Newton say Don Lane was the most generous performer in showbiz. 

It was on the Don Lane Show that he formed a close friendship with fellow entertainer Newton.

Newton said that despite his first words to Lane on the show being "go home Yank", the pair "clicked" immediately.

"He was one of the leading Australian television stars and certainly one of the most successful in the history of television," Newton told reporters at Sydney's Capitol Theatre, where he's performing in the musical Wicked.

"He was certainly the most generous performer that I worked with - he didn't mind where the laughs were coming from and who was getting the laughs.

"All I can say is that I can't think of anyone who I liked more in the industry, anyone I enjoyed working with, more than Don Lane."

Lane 'one of Australia's finest entertainers'

Nine Network chief executive David Gyngell also paid tribute to Don Lane, calling him one of Australia's finest entertainers.

"Today Australia lost one of its finest all-round entertainers," Mr Gyngell said in statement.

"Don Lane was a stalwart of the industry and a great mate to so many of us here at Nine.

"While Don may have passed, the memories and the laughs he provided will remain with us for many years to come.

"Our deepest condolences are conveyed to Jayne Ambrose, PJ and Don's extended family."

Lane 'a household name'

Federal Arts Minister Peter Garrett said "the very popular Australian entertainer" was a "household name".

"On behalf of the government I pass on to his family friends and colleagues the tragic sympathies for his loss," he told parliament.

Opposition frontbencher Steven Ciobo said Lane made "a fine contribution to Australian culture" and would be missed by millions.

"(He was) someone who made a very marked impact on Australian cultural life," he told parliament.