The Secret Life of Molly Meldrum

As host of ABC-TV’s music juggernaut Countdown, Ian “Molly” Meldrum became one of the most familiar faces in the country.

Yet behind the lopsided grin and bumbling irreverence was a complex, driven genius with a history of heartbreak and loss (as depicted in the two-part Seven series Molly, finishing Feb. 14).

“There are so many aspects of him, so many parts of the puzzle,” says a long-time friend, musician Ronnie Burns. “That mystique is part of his trademark.”

Molly Meldrum. Photo: Getty

In his younger years, Meldrum, who was raised by his grandmother in Victoria’s Quambatook and by “aunties” in Melbourne, was engaged to three women, according to Meldrum biographer Jeff Jenkins. Later, he had a six-year relationship with Thai man Yan Wongngam.

Was he conflicted about his sexuality?

“Not that I could see,” says Burns. “He would joke about it; it was conversational, not specific.”

Meldrum’s friend and Hey, Hey It’s Saturday co-star Red Symons also recalls his penchant for betrothals. “According to him, he was engaged to Jana Wendt,” says Symons. “I think that’s a combination of a gay man trying to fit in the norms of society and probably uncertainty on his own part.”

In the late ’80s, Meldrum adopted Morgan Scholes, the son of good friend and single mum Jan Pickett, who has since died. “The mother was somebody who probably needed a little bit of help to bring up the child and Molly was happy to offer that help,” says Symons.

He’s still revelling in family life, adds Jenkins: “Morgan has a son of his own and so Molly is a grandfather. That is incredible. He really loves that.”

For more on Molly’s Secret Life, pick up a copy of WHO on sale now.