Legendary children's entertainer and long-time Play School host Don Spencer has revealed he was rushed to hospital last month after suffering a serious stroke. The 88-year-old musician and television presenter shared the news of his health scare with fans on Tuesday, detailing a frightening ordeal that began when he suddenly lost movement down his right side.
A Sudden Health Crisis
Don Spencer was raced to emergency in the middle of the night approximately a month ago after the sudden onset of symptoms. He initially believed he might be experiencing simple numbness. "I was fully expecting to be told it was just numbness and to go home," Spencer posted on his Facebook page. Instead, doctors delivered a grave diagnosis: he had suffered a stroke caused by bleeding in his brain.
"I learned I had bleeding in my brain and had suffered a stroke...who, me?!" he wrote. The incident led to an immediate hospital admission and a three-week stay. Spencer's health crisis coincided with his daughter, singer Danielle Spencer – former wife of actor Russell Crowe – facing her own medical issue, a splenic aneurysm.
Road to Recovery and Lasting Effects
Now recovering at home, the iconic performer is grappling with the stroke's after-effects. The most significant impact is on his right hand, which remains non-functional. As a left-handed person, Spencer is adapting to one-handed life, mastering tasks like opening jars and even cutting his own hair.
His passion for music, however, has been severely hampered. "There isn't exactly a great demand for one-handed guitarists and piano players," he remarked with characteristic humour. "So I'm determined to get back to playing with both hands - fingers crossed... on my left hand only!"
Spencer expressed profound gratitude for the support of his family, particularly his two children, Danielle and Dean. "Thank you to my wonderful close friends and my family, especially my two incredible children, Danielle and Dean, who have been with me every step of the way," he said. "I'm so lucky to have you both."
A Storied Career in Children's Entertainment
Don Spencer is one of the most beloved figures in Australian and British children's television. He fronted the Australian version of Play School from 1968 to 1999 and also hosted the British iteration from 1972 to 1988, one of only two people to present the show in both countries.
His career began in the UK, where he worked for the BBC and supported major acts like The Rolling Stones. Upon returning to Australia, he became a fixture on Bandstand before his enduring tenure on Play School. He was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2007 for his services to children's music.
Meanwhile, his daughter Danielle, 56, is recovering from surgery for a splenic aneurysm, which she revealed around the same time as her father's stroke. The former singer, who shares two sons with Russell Crowe, thanked well-wishers and hinted at new music to come.
