I Love Your Faces: The Don Lane Story is a high-energy, musical-theatrical tribute created and performed by PJ Lane in honour of his legendary father, Don Lane. The show brings Don Lane’s remarkable journey to life—from his New York roots in The Bronx to his iconic status as one of Australia’s greatest entertainers—through electrifying musical numbers, showgirls, a live big band, dynamic choreography, and vivid.
Crafted as more than a mere tribute, PJ Lane offers a deeply personal and emotionally resonant narrative that explores universal themes like ambition, identity, family, and the pursuit of greatness. His performance bridges the past and present, inviting audiences to experience the golden era of live entertainment while connecting intimately with the man behind the legend.
‘I Love Your Faces: The Don Lane Story’ is on November 13 and 14 2025 at Palms at Crown Melbourne.
PJ Lane talks to Paul Cashmere at Noise11.com
The Don Lane Story
Donald Francis Lane — better known to millions as Don Lane, the “Lanky Yank” — was one of Australia’s most charismatic, versatile, and enduring entertainers. Over three decades, Lane became a household name, hosting his own top-rating variety show, performing on stage, and charming audiences with a rare mix of New York bravado and Australian warmth. His story is one of reinvention, resilience, and the ability to bridge two entertainment cultures.
Early Life in America
Don Lane was born Morton Donald Isaacson on November 13, 1933, in New York City. Raised in the Bronx in a Jewish family, Lane grew up in a culturally rich but working-class environment. Sport was his first love; he played basketball at college level and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His show business career began almost accidentally — working odd jobs in entertainment venues, he found himself drawn to performance.
After a stint as a singer and comedian in nightclubs, Lane honed a rapid-fire style influenced by American TV hosts like Jack Paar and Johnny Carson. He had a natural ease in front of an audience, blending humour with a quick wit, and it wasn’t long before he was performing on cruise ships and touring internationally.
First Arrival in Australia
In 1965, Lane arrived in Australia for a short performance season, initially expected to last only a few weeks. His early appearances on the Tonight Show with Graham Kennedy revealed a playful chemistry and Lane’s willingness to poke fun at himself. Viewers were taken by his accent, tall frame, and the easy way he interacted with local guests. Soon, TCN-9 offered him his own program, The Don Lane Show (1965–1969), a late-night variety hour featuring live music, comedy, and interviews.
Lane’s early Australian career was a success, but the pull of home brought him back to the U.S. in 1969, where he worked in television and clubs, including Las Vegas. However, his Australian fan base never forgot him.
The Don Lane Show — Second Era
In 1975, Lane returned to Australia for what would become his signature role: hosting The Don Lane Show on the Nine Network, which ran until 1983. Produced in Melbourne, it was a big-budget, American-style variety show unlike anything else on Australian TV at the time. The show featured international stars — including Sammy Davis Jr., Shirley Bassey, Diana Ross, and Elton John — as well as a steady stream of Australian talent. Lane’s ability to hold his own with big names, switch from banter to heartfelt conversation, and perform musical numbers made him the complete variety host.
His partnership with sidekick Bert Newton became legendary. Newton’s quick comedy and Lane’s good-natured straight-man role produced moments of TV magic. They became one of the most beloved duos in Australian entertainment history, balancing scripted comedy with improvisation.
Style and Influence
Lane’s presenting style combined U.S. talk-show slickness with a uniquely Australian self-deprecating humour. He could be brash, but audiences felt his warmth and sincerity. Musically, Lane was a gifted singer with a strong baritone voice, and he regularly performed on his own show, tackling Broadway numbers, pop standards, and contemporary hits.
The Don Lane Show was ambitious in scale — live big-band performances, elaborate set pieces, and high-profile interviews. It ran two nights a week at its peak, a demanding schedule for any performer, but Lane thrived on the challenge.
Awards and Achievements
Lane’s work was recognised with multiple Logie Awards, including a Gold Logie in 1980 for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television. He was one of the rare American imports to truly win over Australian audiences for the long term, becoming a cultural figure in his adopted country.
Challenges and Controversies
Lane’s career wasn’t without turbulence. His outspoken nature occasionally led to on-air disputes and public feuds. Behind the scenes, he battled personal challenges, including a well-documented struggle with gambling. Lane was open about his flaws, and his frankness only seemed to endear him further to viewers who valued his honesty.
In 1983, after eight years, Lane decided to end The Don Lane Show. Variety television was changing, budgets were tightening, and Lane wanted to explore other avenues. He continued to perform, host specials, and appear as a guest on Australian TV, but never again anchored a major long-running program.
Later Career and Final Years
Following the end of his flagship show, Lane appeared in theatre, on stage musicals, and in guest TV roles. He also hosted talkback radio and occasional television specials. In the 1990s and 2000s, he made appearances at TV nostalgia events and was often invited to comment on the state of the industry.
In 2003, Lane was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and by 2008 his public appearances had ceased. His illness was publicly acknowledged by friends and colleagues, many of whom spoke warmly of his generosity and humour. Lane died on October 22, 2009, aged 75, in Sydney.
Legacy
Don Lane’s legacy is multi-layered. He helped raise the production standards of Australian television variety, bringing an American professionalism and showmanship that inspired future presenters. His work with Bert Newton remains a benchmark for TV partnerships. Lane also championed Australian performers by giving them a prime-time platform alongside international stars.
Importantly, Lane’s story is also one of cultural integration. He arrived as a foreign curiosity, but by the end of his career he was embraced as one of Australia’s own. His son, PJ Lane, has carried on elements of his legacy as an entertainer and advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness.
The Man Behind the Performer
Away from the cameras, Lane was known for his generosity to friends and crew, often staying back after shows to thank the technical teams. He was fiercely loyal, and despite the demands of fame, valued personal connections over industry politics.
Lane’s humour was often self-directed — he was quick to joke about his American accent, his height, or the quirks of Australian slang. This humility balanced his big-stage presence and made him relatable.
A Lasting Impression
The affection Australians felt for Don Lane was evident in the tributes that poured in after his death. Fellow entertainers spoke of his professionalism, work ethic, and the joy he brought to audiences. Viewers remembered him as a man who could make them laugh, move them with a song, and introduce them to stars they’d only dreamed of seeing.
The Don Lane Show is still recalled as a golden era of Australian TV variety — a time when live performance, risk-taking, and genuine connection with audiences were central to prime-time entertainment. Lane’s influence can be seen in later hosts who blend comedy, music, and talk in the same seamless way.
