Beloved Film Critic David Stratton Dies Aged 85
David Stratton retired in 2023 due to health issues including giant cell arteritis and spinal fractures, impacting his vision and mobility, after decades promoting Australian cinema.
- On Thursday afternoon, Stratton’s family announced that the legendary film critic died at 85 in a hospital near his Blue Mountains home.
- Facing giant cell arteritis last year, Stratton disclosed steroids weakened his bones, causing one back fracture during treatment.
- Throughout his career, Stratton co-hosted SBS and ABC film review shows with Margaret Pomeranz for nearly 20 years.
- Tributes also poured in from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on X, praising Stratton’s love of film and his generous passing of knowledge, while cinema organizations shared condolences.
- Reflecting his impact, his family invited the public to watch their favourite film and shared that details of a public memorial service will be shared soon.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Legendary Australian film critic David Stratton dies aged 85
David Stratton, the esteemed film reviewer who appeared on Australian TV screens for decades, has died aged 85. His family announced he died peacefully in hospital near his Blue Mountains home in New South Wales.
David Stratton was always ‘doing it for the audience’. In this, he had a huge impact on Australian film
Franco Origlia/Getty ImagesCelebrated film critic David Stratton has died at the age of 85. He leaves an indelible mark on Australian film culture, and Australian film culture left an indelible mark on him. Over a long career, he had an intimate relationship with cinema, finding it a place of connection and a kind of shelter. It was where he spent time with his grandmother and time away from the family grocery business that loomed large over his…
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