The South Australian arts industry is in mourning following the passing of legendary actor and puppeteer Michael Scheid on August 6.Â
The veteran entertainer died in Adelaide with his family by his side, following a long health battle.Â
Scheid was best known as the gentle voice and puppeteer behind Bookworm, the beloved character on the long-running Channel Seven kids’ TV show The Book Place, which aired from 1991 to 2003.
His death was confirmed in a heartbreaking social media statement by his daughter Cathy.
‘It is with a heavy heart to write that my father Michael has left this earth. At 79 years old, to the beat of “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles (his request) he calmly and peacefully passed away,’ she began.
‘His family were by his side for every moment in his final weeks. He enjoyed a Dog Therapy visit & a private piano concert in the 24 hours prior.Â
The South Australian arts industry is in mourning following the passing of legendary actor and puppeteer Michael Scheid on August 6Â
‘Anyone who knew dad knows he was one of a kind and never lost his childish enthusiasm. He had a huge impact on the emerging Arts and Theatre industry in South Australia and will be fondly remembered for the many characters he played.’
Scheid’s talents extended far beyond the puppet stage, and he was also a celebrated screen and stage actor.Â
In the 1980s, he was a familiar sight in Adelaide’s Rundle Mall, ringing in the day as the town crier.
In later years, Scheid was a treasured participant in the Bay to Birdwood motoring event, piloting his signature baby blue 1956 Morris Minor classic car.
A passionate performer, Scheid also graced South Australian theatre stages in numerous productions.
This included the Bunyip Theatre’s 1985 musical production of The Wizard of Oz, where he portrayed the Cowardly Lion.
His connection with children’s arts continued well into recent years, appearing alongside Bookworm to narrate performances for the Australian Classical Youth Ballet from 1998 to 2022.Â
He also appeared in the 2003 Australian movie Travelling Light, opposite Pia Miranda and Marshall Napier.
The upbeat entertainer was best known as the gentle voice and puppeteer behind Bookworm, the beloved character on the long-running Channel Seven kid’s TV show The Book Place
Scheid’s musical collaborator Michael Mills remembered him fondly on social media.Â
‘When that face looked at you, you got to play with the crazy, remarkable, all manner of things… it was a wonder to behold,’ Mills wrote.
‘There’s a little less genius and heart in the world today.’
Scheid’s diverse career also included television appearances in the 1984 Channel Ten drama Carson’s Law and regular spots with local theatre companies such as Therry Dramatic Society and Mighty Good Productions.
He is survived by his daughters Alice and Cathy.Â
Share or comment on this article:
Beloved Aussie children’s entertainer dies aged 79 as iconic song plays in background