TV greats pay tribute to George Negus

George Negus, a founding presenter of Nine’s 60 Minutes and ABC’s Foreign Correspondent, has died aged 82.

Negus presented 60 Minutes from 1979-1986 and later went on to present Foreign Correspondent from 1992-1999.

The news veteran also had two current affairs programs, George Negus Tonight on ABC and 6.30 with George Negus on Network Ten.

Negus wrote several books and won a Walkley Award for Most Outstanding Contribution to Journalism in 2021.

He also established his own media company, Negus Media International, in the late 1980s, which he ran alongside his wife and journalist Kirsty Cockburn.

He became a Member of the Order of Australia in 2015, recognised for his significant service to the media, conservation and the environment.

Negus died peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a “gracious decline” from Alzheimer’s disease “with his trademark smile” after he was diagnosed in 2022, his family said in a statement.

“He was 82 years old, but as he would say ‘age is terribly overrated’,” the family said.

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

“We also learnt a lot too so he would be happy about that.

“And obviously, a huge part of our learning curve was aided by Australia’s healthcare workers.

“So to them, we say ‘Thank you for doing your jobs – we have so much to thank you all for as we have striven to support George in the best possible way’.”

His family said while Negus would 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”.

“Indeed, we will remember him for those wonderful contributions to the world AND the rich life experiences 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.

“If you are looking to connect with those memories here are a few suggestions from us: kick a football, enjoy a hearty bowl of pasta, plan your next adventure to somewhere intriguing or ask a curious question you think needs answering.

“Even better, do all of those things and do them together with people you love.

“That’s what he would have done.

“To us, ‘Negsy’ was the greatest father, grandfather, and partner there ever was.

“We created a beautiful life together and we will miss him dearly.

“We would ask for privacy and time to farewell George in our own way with family, and his and our closest friends.”

60 Minutes colleague Ray Martin said Negus was “more than a colleague, he was a mate”.

“He was probably the strongest TV character I can remember on Australian television,” Martin said.

“He was outrageous, he was charismatic, he was loud, he was heavily opinionated, he was funny but he was just a great bloke.”

Fellow journalist Liz Hayes said Negus was a “trailblazer” in Australian journalism with a “larger than life” personality.

“George always had an insatiable appetite for information, but he was a regular guy too,” Hayes said.

“This is a guy who loved the cooking segment on the Today show, this is a guy who enjoyed sport and he was a family man.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Negus as “a giant of Australian journalism”.

“His courage, curiosity and integrity gave millions of Australians a sense of the big issues on 60 Minutes, and a window to the world through Foreign Correspondent,” he said.

“George sought and served the truth with steely determination and a twinkle in his eye, and along the way, he made even the smallest TV screen feel that much bigger.

“He was a wonderful human being and his loss will be deeply felt by so many Australians.

“We offer his family the heartfelt condolences of our nation. May he rest in peace.”

He is survived by his loving partner Kirsty, his sons Ned and Serge, and the rest of his family.