<!--The referencing mechanism used on this page is explained at m:Cite/Cite.php.-->

Zig and Zag, were an entertainer clown duo from Melbourne consisting of Jack Asher Perry (31 December 191622 June 2006) and Douglas McKenzie (22 March 19184 August 2004), respectively. Both had been born in England and migrated to Australia. They became notable for appearing on Australian television from its inception in 1956 until 1999 beginning with Peters Fun Fair (1956–69). They also featured on the annual Moomba parade (a community festival), and were regulars at annual charity events including the Good Friday Appeal to raise funds Royal Children's Hospital.

Perry was also an actor on television serials and presenter whilst McKenzie, was also a radio and television presenter, producer and former World War II soldier.

In March 1999 it was revealed that Jack Perry had been convicted in 1994 of the indecent assault of his granddaughter, which caused considerable controversy and the duo subsequently parted ways.

History

Radio and Television

Zig and Zag were the clown duo of Jack Perry and Doug McKenzie; they began performing together in the 1950s in Melbourne. They were stood down before the associated Moomba parade, in March. Revelations of Perry's indecent assaults on his granddaughter, from his 1994 trial, were broadcast on current affairs show Today Tonight. In 1999, other allegations of indecent assault of children also surfaced. just before Perry (as Zig) with McKenzie (as Zag), were due to be crowned.

  • Zig and Zag's hats
  • Photos:
  • "Clowns Zig and Zag entertaining children at the 1964 Moomba parade" archived from the original on 23 September 2005, photo taken in March 1964, held at Co.As.It. – Italian Historical Society. Retrieved on 4 December 2018.
  • "Zig @ Moomba" by Rennie Ellis, March 1971, held at State Library of Victoria
  • "Blind Association. Glenferrie Road, Kooyong. Annual Fair" by Dennis Mayor, 28 March 1976, held at State Library of Victoria.