Sydney broadcaster Brian Henderson has died aged 89 following his battle with cancer.
The news was confirmed by Channel Nine, where Henderson hosted the Sydney 6.00pm weeknight news from 1957 until he retired in 2002.
Beginning his career in the late 1950s, Henderson holds the record for the longest-serving television news presenter, and hosted the music program Bandstand from 1958 to 1972.
Nine’s Peter Overton said he had received a text from Henderson’s wife Mardi confirming that the legendary presenter had died at about 4.50am.
“She said that he was at peace when he passed away and he was surrounded, he had Mardi and beautiful daughters Jodie and Nicole,” Overton said.
“I’ve spoken to them this morning and they are naturally as a family just gathered and sitting and reflecting on this man who had, may I say, a wicked sense of humour and was so engaged in the news right up to his passing.”
Image: Nine
Today host Karl Stefonavoic described Henderson as an “absolute legend”.
“A gentleman and a total professional who provided guidance for so many colleagues and generations who followed,” he said.
“We loved him.”
Peter Costello, Nine’s Chairman, also paid tribute to the presenter, noting his warmth, professionalism, and legacy.
“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,” Mr Costello said.
“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.”
Henderson was known for his tag-line, used to sign off at the end of every newscast – either “… and that’s the way it is” or “the way it is”.
He won two TV Week Gold Logies, the first in 1968 for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television while hosting Bandstand, and the second in 2013 when he was inducted in the TV Week Hall of Fame.
Henderson was also recognised for his contributions to TV news, entertainment and journalism in 2009 when he was made a Member of the Order of Australia.
In 2014 Henderson revealed he was battling throat cancer, followed by kidney cancer in 2020.
He is survived by wife Mardi, their two daughters Jody and Nicole, and two children from his first marriage.
Image: Nine
