Former 3XY presenter and clown, Doug McKenzie, has died of a suspected heart attack in Melbourne at the age of 87.

He was one half of the comedy clown duo, Zig and Zag, who entertained generations of young Australians.

After his radio days, McKenzie was a television pioneer with his comedy partner, Jack Perry.

They began on Channel 7 in 1956 and carried on until 1999 when perry was convicted of indecently assaulting his grandchild.

McKenzie, who was a Changi survivor, refused to go on alone.