Australian television icon George Negus has passed away at the age of 82, following complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. Negus, a pioneering journalist, was one of the original reporters on 60 Minutes when the program debuted in Australia in 1979.
Negus had been battling dementia for around five years and had resided in an aged care facility in Sydney since late 2021. His career left a lasting impact on Australian journalism, earning him widespread respect and admiration.
George Negus Death Cause
The family of Australian TV legend George Negus confirmed his death on Tuesday afternoon, sharing a heartfelt statement about their recent moments despite the difficulties caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
“Despite the challenges diseases like Alzheimer’s inflict on families, we still shared beautiful times, laughter, and happiness together in recent times,” the family said. “We also learnt a lot.”
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Last month, Negusβ son, Ned, revealed that his father had largely lost his ability to speak. “For those of you who don’t know, my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s around five years ago,” he said. “He’s now non-verbal most of the time (mind-blowing for me but also for any of you that know him).”
RIP George Negus.
— Kevin Pollard (@football_roos) October 15, 2024
We all loved you in Russia for the World Cup and over the decades on 60 Minutes and elsewhere on TV.
Several of us became good mates with you and Con and I visited you in your nursing home in Avalon last year.
Rest in peace mate.@simonhill1894 https://t.co/JTUlpzVnpX pic.twitter.com/7WsWQqX7Ig
Who was George Negus?
George Negus, who began his career as a high school teacher before transitioning to journalism at the age of 28, went on to become one of Australiaβs most respected media figures. Reflecting on his career shift, Negus once remarked, “I was an ex-school teacher β¦ and I’ve sort of conned my way into journalism somehow.”
πͺπππ§ πππππππ ππππ‘'π§ ππ‘π’πͺ πππ’π¨π§ π’πππ π
— African Stream (@african_stream) February 16, 2024
Even Pan-African leaders can fall victim to empty identity politics.
In February 2010, former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi told US journalist George Negus that Barack Obama's Arab and Muslim roots⦠pic.twitter.com/Q1ZN8TfN5K
Negus’s journalistic journey spanned various major media outlets, including The Australian and Australian Financial Review. He gained national attention as a reporter for ABC’s This Day Tonight and later became the first presenter of Foreign Correspondent.
His work further expanded with roles on 60 Minutes at Nine, presenting Dateline on SBS, and hosting his own show, 6 PM on Channel 10. His versatility and in-depth reporting made him a pioneering figure in Australian television journalism.
Wife
George Negus shared both a personal and professional life with his longtime partner, Kirsty Cockburn, who was also a journalist. Kirsty collaborated with Negus on several of his major projects, making their partnership deeply intertwined in both love and work. They had two children together, one of whom, their son Serge, appeared in Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001) alongside Paul Hogan.
Kirsty was deeply devoted to George, standing by him through every stage of his life, including his battle with Alzheimerβs. During his final days, she remained by his side, offering her unwavering love and support. Her presence in his life was a source of comfort, even during his most difficult moments, and she was with him until the end, ensuring that he was never alone.
My favourite George Negus interview.
— JON DEE (JonDee.com) (@JonDeeOz) October 15, 2024
In 1982, he asked Margaret Thatcher "Why do people stop us in the street and tell us Margaret Thatcher is pig-headed?"
She did not like the blunt question πππpic.twitter.com/Xdus9vyLYU
George Negus Health
George Negus lived a peaceful life on a farm near Bellingen, located on the northern coast of New South Wales, for many years. His time on the farm was a significant part of his life, offering him a retreat from the fast-paced world of journalism. However, in late 2021, as his battle with dementia progressed, Negus was moved into a nursing home in Sydney to receive the specialized care he needed.
The transition marked a challenging period for his family, but they remained close and supportive throughout his illness. Despite the difficulties that come with dementia, his loved ones ensured he was surrounded by care and compassion.
Today we lost an incredible journalist, George Negus.
— 10 News First (@10NewsFirst) October 15, 2024
We look back at his distinguished career, some of which we can proudly say, took place at Channel 10. pic.twitter.com/o11tcYKMgX
