Veteran journalist George Negus has passed away aged 82. Negus is being remembered as a powerhouse of Australian broadcast journalism by his many friends and former colleagues.
In a statement on Tuesday, Negus’ family said he had “passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a gracious decline from Alzheimer’s disease, all the while with his trademark smile”.
Despite the journalist’s health issues, the family, led by partner Kirsty Cockburn said that they were grateful for the “beautiful times, laughter, and happiness” they had shared together in recent times.
“George told us endlessly that he never imagined having a family, so the part of his life we shared was everything to him, and always his priority. While we know he will be celebrated for his unique contribution to journalism, football, and the environment, he would also want to be remembered for the incredible family man he was,” the family’s statement said.
“Indeed, we will remember him for those wonderful contribution to the world and the rich life experience he shaped for us,” the family said. “Many of you will have uplifting and distinct memories of him, regardless of whether you met him, but especially if you did.”
Negus joined Channel 9 in the late 1970s when producer Gerald Stone recognised his distinctive style and hired George to be one of the founding reporters for the then brand-new current affairs program, 60 Minutes.
Along with Ray Martin and Ian Leslie, George instantly became a household name in Australia. He was the reporter with the gruff voice, the big moustache and the bucketload of opinions.
George’s trademark way of telling stories ensured he was never accused of being dull. He famously got under the skin of British PM Margaret Thatcher; he flirted with actor Meryl Streep and showed great compassion in an extraordinary interview with Mother Teresa.
In eight years on the road at 60 Minutes, George travelled to numerous warzones and reported from every corner of the world.
Nine’s Director of Television Michael Healy remembered George as one of this country’s biggest stars. “Today, Australia lost one of its greatest storytellers. When you watched a George Negus interview it was thoughtful, intelligent, composed. He was always in control”,
“Like many Australians, I grew up watching George Negus every Sunday night on 60 Minutes. He opened Australia’s eyes to the world, he took us to places we didn’t know existed, and introduced us to the people who shaped society,” said Fiona Dear, director of news and current Affairs.
For Kirsty Thomson, 60 Minutes Executive Producer, George’s contribution to the program will always be applauded and treasured. “Everyone at 60 Minutes sends love to George’s family,” she said. “We are so proud to work at a program that’s always been inspired by George’s trailblazing journalism and globetrotting genius”.
“His legacy lives on at 60 Minutes through his wonderful son Serge, a producer on the program, who continues to do what George loved most about his job: being able to tell great stories”.
Negus’ other son, Ned, who is the chief commercial officer at the A-Leagues, recently shared an update on LinkedIn after his father’s diagnosed with Alzheimers.
“I was hesitant to post this on LinkedIn, as it’s pretty personal . But, then realised you’re all humans and there’s always a place for sharing human realities with your professional network,” he explained. @For those of you who don’t know, my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s around five years ago. He’s now non verbal most of the time (mindblowing for me but also any of you that know him)”.
“Today is Father’s Day in Australia and we had a walk on the beach together. He was clearly not sure why this particular walk was symbolic and sometimes not sure with whom he was walking. At one point we stopped, he smiled broadly and then hugged me for quite some time. It was sad , but it was uplifting to know that even when you can no longer say what you feel , you can still DO what you feel”.
