David Stratton death news : Australian film critic David Stratton, widely recognized for co-hosting alongside Margaret Pomeranz, has passed away at the age of 85.
He died this afternoon at a hospital near his home in the NSW Blue Mountains.
David’s love for cinema, his dedication to Australian film, and his generous nature touched countless lives,” his family said in a statement to the ABC, his former employer.
He was deeply cherished as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a respected friend.
David’s family expressed sincere appreciation for the immense support they have received from friends, colleagues, and the public—both recently and throughout his life.
They have invited everyone to honor his memory by watching a beloved film of their own or his favorite classic, the 1952 Gene Kelly musical Singin’ in the Rain.
A Life Dedicated to Cinema and Storytelling
He was a highly respected actor, writer, educator, and critic, with a remarkable career spanning nearly six decades.
From 1966 to 1983, he served as the director of the Sydney Film Festival.
However, it was his on-screen partnership with Margaret Pomeranz that truly endeared him to the broader Australian audience.
In 1986, the duo launched The Movie Show on SBS, captivating viewers with their playful debates and contrasting opinions on films.
In 2004, they left SBS and brought their concept to the ABC, rebranding the show as At The Movies. The pair continued to grace screens for another decade.
Their final episode in 2014 drew an audience of over 700,000 viewers, making it one of the most-watched season finales in ABC’s history.
In a 2019 interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Stratton revealed that his love for cinema began with his grandmother.
She was an avid moviegoer, and she used to take me along,” he recalled. “My mother said my first trip to the cinema was to see Dumbo in 1941 or 1942.
Most recently, in June, Stratton appeared alongside Pomeranz at Sydney’s Randwick Ritz Cinemas, where both were inducted into the Australian Film Walk of Fame. They performed to a sold-out crowd, reminiscing about their time on The Movie Show and At The Movies.
Stratton officially retired in December 2023 due to declining health.
He is survived by his wife, Susie, and their two children.
Australia pays tribute
Following the news of Stratton’s passing, heartfelt tributes flooded in from fans and members of the film industry.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Stratton as a highly respected figure in Australia.
With his dry wit and sharp insight, David Stratton shared his passion for cinema with the entire nation,” he said.
All of us who watched At The Movies admired his vast knowledge and the warm, generous way he shared it.
May he rest in peace.
From Sydney Film Festival to National Fame
Former television host and commentator Phillip Adams honored his longtime friend and colleague, saying:
Vale David Stratton. An old friend and colleague now reviewing films for the Almighty.
The Sydney Film Festival acknowledged that Australian cinema culture would not be what it is today without Stratton’s influence.
The Sydney Film Festival—and indeed the broader culture of cinema in Australia—owes so much to David Stratton’s extraordinary passion and dedication. As Festival Director from 1966 to 1983, his impact was immeasurable, a spokesperson said.
Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
Dendy Cinemas also expressed their sorrow, stating
We are deeply saddened. David’s boundless enthusiasm for film and unwavering support for Australian cinema were unparalleled. Vale David Stratton.
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