The ABC is deeply saddened by the passing of revered film critic, writer and educator David Stratton, aged 85.
David appeared on Australian screens for three decades alongside Margaret Pomeranz, with whom he shared one of the most iconic partnerships in Australian broadcasting.
From 1984 until 2004, he co-hosted The Movie Show with Margaret on SBS. The pair then moved to the ABC, where they hosted At the Movies until 2014.
In a statement, David’s family confirmed he died peacefully in hospital near his home in the Blue Mountains.
“David’s passion for film, commitment to Australian cinema, and generous spirit touched countless lives,” his family said. “He was adored as a husband, father, grand and great grandfather and admired friend. David’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from friends, colleagues, and the public recently and across his lifetime.”
They plan to hold a private family funeral, with details of a public memorial service to be announced in due course.
Born in England in 1939, David developed a love of the movies from an early age when his grandmother would take him to see movies when he was just a toddler.
His love of cinema never left him. In 1963, he moved to Australia and three years later, he became director of the Sydney Film Festival until 1983.
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks paid tribute to the legendary film critic.
“What an extraordinary career,” he said. “Incredible insight, a love of the craft of movie making and a respect for his audience, David was a credit to our industry. He made an enormous contribution to the ABC that we will remember fondly. We are thinking of his family and friends at this time.”
David’s family has asked for privacy but invited everyone to celebrate his remarkable life and legacy by watching his favourite movie of all time, Singing in the Rain.