Renowned entertainer Max Kay has died in hospital overnight.

One of Perth’s most-loved entertainment icons, Kay had been battling cancer and died from complications in hospital after contracting pneumonia, devastated friends said.

The loss has sent shock waves through WA’s performing arts community, where Kay was known as a legend, patron, advocate and champion on new talent.

He opened the Civic Theatre in Inglewood in 1976 and later in Highgate where he wrote, produced and performed his own shows with a cast of dancers, singers and actors, turning it into one of the most respected private theatres in the country.

Later he focused on charity work and became a Perth City councillor.

A Citizen of the Year in 2001, Kay was also a Member of the Order of Australia for his many services to the entertainment industry, president of the National Trust of Western Australia and a board member of the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Perth Theatre Trust.

Kay is survived by his wife Norma, who was yesterday struggling to come to terms with the loss.

Arts Minister David Templeman said it was a very sad day for WA and described the loss as “the passing of a legend”.

Camera Icon Max Kay and wife Norma Kay. Credit: WA News

Irene Jarzabek, an Agelink Theatre board member and friend of Kay, paid tribute to his “abundant energy and wit”.

“He always made us laugh and he was just generous of heart to everyone, generous with his time and his expertise,” she said.

“He had such an amazing capacity to make people laugh and to feel at home.”

“He and Norma were two of the most inseparable, in love people. He was so proud of his children and his grandchildren,” Ms Jarzabek said.

Kay recently encouraged the older generation to participate in the community with an entertaining presentation, called Ageing Disgracefully, at the Care & Ageing Expo at Perth Exhibition and Conference Centre.

At the time, the Scotsman, who arrived in Perth in 1967, was quoted urging seniors to enjoy the remaining years to the full.

“Do what you can to stay active, get in a caravan or go out to a matinee, whatever you can to keep active. Don’t give your family any excuse not to visit. Make a point of having a family dinner once a month,” Kay said before the event.

Ms Jarzabek said Kay led by example.

“He was always out and about. He was on so many committees and boards and has this abundant energy, on and off stage. You could never slow him down. He would love to do anything for charity and was just a bigger than life character who was so supportive of performing arts on every level,” she said.