Australia has lost a TV broadcasting legend in Brian Henderson, who has died aged 89.
News of his sad passing came on Thursday morning, after years of health battles for the TV icon.
Brian was Australia’s longest serving news presenter, best known for hosting Channel Nine’s Sydney weeknight news from 1957 until 2002 when he retired.
TV broadcasting legend in Brian Henderson has died aged 89.
(Credit: Getty)The TV legend also hosted beloved live pop music variety series Bandstand for the duration of its time on air, which spanned from 1958 to 1972.
While the cause of his death is yet to be officially confirmed, Brian had long been battling cancer, five different types to be exact.
Having beaten melanoma, prostate, bowel and throat cancer over the years, the TV star revealed to Channel Nine in 2020 he had recently been diagnosed with kidney cancer.
His wife of 54 years, Mardi, and his daughters were by his side when he passed.
“Brian Henderson was the best of the best, he was iconic. The ultimate professional and the trusted face of television news for generations of Australians,” Peter Costello, Chairman of Nine said in a statement.
“Hendo was not just a much loved newsman he also brought modern pop music to generations of Australian teenagers through his hosting role on Bandstand.
“He was trusted, he had a warmth that he brought into the living rooms of millions of Australians. He will be deeply missed but his giant legacy and contribution will live on in the DNA of Nine.”
“Hendo was much loved and idolised by everyone of us lucky enough to have worked with him and learn from him,” added Darren Wick, Nine’s Director of News and Current Affairs.
“He was the biggest star in a 9News team that boasted the biggest names in journalism – Laurie Oakes, Liz Hayes, Georgie Gardner, Ken Sutcliffe, Peter Harvey, Robert Penfold, Peter Overton, Leila McKinnon, Allison Langdon and Karl Stefanovic.
“He was the epitome of credibility, reliability and clarity. He set the standard that we aspire to live up to every night of the week.”
This article originally appeared on our sister site, New Idea.
