Aussie TV icon George Negus dies aged 82

Renowned Aussie broadcaster George Negus has died at the age of 82, with his family issuing an emotional statement.

Iconic Aussie broadcaster George Negus has died at the age of 82.

The famed Foreign Correspondent host and ABC veteran had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for five years and died due to complications surrounding his illness.

His family said Negus “passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones” in Sydney.

“Despite the challenges diseases like Alzheimer’s inflict on families, we still shared beautiful times, laughter and happiness together in recent times,” the statement read.

“We also learnt a lot.”

“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.”

Iconic Aussie broadcaster George Negus has died at the age of 82.

His down-to-earth approach had an undeniable effect on viewers and won millions of viewers over throughout his 57-year career.

Negus was cornerstone figure in Australian media and was described as a fearless journalist with an approachable down-to-earth technique.

From his early days on ABC’s This Day Tonight to his pioneering work on 60 Minutes, Negus has reported through decades of political, social, and technological upheaval.

In a 2022 interview with 60 Minutes, Negus reflected on his journalism career with pride. His honesty had an undeniable effect on viewers and won millions of viewers over throughout his 57-year career.

“When people say to me ‘when I meet you, you’re just like you are on television’, I say ‘no, you’ve got it wrong’,” he said.

“On television, I’m just like I am. And if you think you know me, you do.

“Which means sometimes you’ll tell me how wonderful what I’ve done is, and sometimes you’ll fell like chucking rocks at the set.”

Negus was cornerstone figure in Australian media and was described as a fearless journalist with an approachable down-to-earth technique.

Last month, his family revealed he had become “non-verbal”, five years after being diagnosed. He had been living in a Sydney aged care facility since 2021.

His son, Ned Negus, recently shared a personal update on LinkedIn, alongside a Father’s Day photo from September 1.

“I was hesitant to post this on LinkedIn, as it’s pretty personal,” Ned said.

“But then realised you’re all humans and there’s always a place for sharing human realities with your professional network.”

Ned, who serves as the A-League’s chief commercial officer, opened up about his father’s condition.

“He’s now non-verbal most of the time (mind-blowing for me but also for any of you that know him),” he wrote.

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said the organisation had shared sincere condolences to Kirsty Cockburn and his sons Serge and Ned Negus.

“Mr Negus was an icon for Australians and for Australian media. He generously contributed to raising awareness about dementia and the impact it has on individuals and their families.” Professor Buchanan said.

“Throughout their experience, Ms Cockburn and their sons have been tireless in continuing to raise awareness publicly and at all levels of government to ensure that all Australian’s impacted by dementia know they are not alone.”

Dementia Australia Ambassador Hamish Macdonald said he will miss Negus “greatly”.

“George Negus was a giant of Australian journalism. He was also a mentor and a dear friend. I will miss him greatly,” he said.

“I am feeling sad today, but also immensely lucky to have crossed paths along the way. He loved telling stories and he helped me get better at telling them too. Wishing Kirsty, Ned, Serge and the wider family all my love.”

Originally published as Aussie TV icon George Negus dies aged 82