Ray Martin is one of Australia’s most iconic TV journalists, with a career spanning over 50 years.
On Saturday, the 75-year-old revealed his three favourite interview subjects – and those that left him the most starstruck.
The TV star told Stellar Magazine he has what he calls his, ”holy trinity’ – three of the most amazing blokes I’ve ever met’.
Fan: Ray Martin is one of Australia’s most iconic TV journalists, with a career spanning over 50 years. On Saturday, the 75-year-old revealed his three favourite interview subjects – and those that left him the most starstruck. Pictured in 2014
‘Sir Donald Bradman. I’m a cricket nut… it was like I’d died and gone to heaven,’ he said of his first pick, referring to the legendary batsman, who passed away in 2001.
He also listed, ‘Professor Fred Hollows and Sir David Attenborough, who became good friends of mine, which doesn’t happen much in our business.’
The late Professor Fred Hollows was an ophthalmologist who became famous for restoring eyesight for thousands of people around the world. He died in 1993.
The TV star told Stellar Magazine he has what he calls his, ”holy trinity’ – three of the most amazing blokes I’ve ever met’. They include Sir David Attenborough (left)
Pals: Beloved television star David Attenborough, 94, is a world famous natural historian known for his documentary series. Ray says the pair became good friends after their interview
Beloved television star David Attenborough, 94, is a world famous natural historian known for his documentary series.
Ray also described screen legend Audrey Hepburn flirting with him during their interview – a story which left his wife, Dianne Martin, making a vomiting gesture as he retold it during the interview.
According to Ray, the interview took place in the early ’90s when Audrey would have been in her sixties.
Hero: He also listed Professor Fred Hollows (pictured) an ophthalmologist who became famous for restoring eyesight for thousands of people around the world. He died in 1993
Legend: Another favourite was, ‘Sir Donald Bradman. I’m a cricket nut… it was like I’d died and gone to heaven,’ he said of the legendary batsman (pictured), who passed away in 2001
‘Audrey was 63 and exquisitely beautiful – the eye sparkle, the cheekbones, and that extraordinary smile. This aura you can’t explain. I was conscious that I was in the company of a genuine superstar.
‘Out she came, and I didn’t know whether to shake her hand or kiss her cheek. But as she sat down, she tapped my knee and said, “It’s never too late,”‘ he said.
The Belgian-born actress died aged 63 from appendiceal cancer at her home in Tolochenaz, Switzerland on January 20, 1993.
Not amused: Ray also described screen legend Audrey Hepburn flirting with him during their interview – a story which left his wife, Dianne Martin, making a vomiting gesture as he retold it during the interview. Audrey is pictured in 1963
Ray said: ‘Audrey was 63 and exquisitely beautiful – the eye sparkle, the cheekbones, and that extraordinary smile. This aura you can’t explain. I was conscious that I was in the company of a genuine superstar’ he said of the early 1990s interview. Pictured in 1990
She had been diagnosed with the disease the previous year.
Audrey, arguably one of the most recognisable stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age, appeared in movies such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s and My Fair Lady.
Ray is a five-time Gold Logie winner best known for hosting the programs The Midday Show, A Current Affair and 60 Minutes.
Well known: Ray is a five-time Gold Logie winner best known for hosting the programs The Midday Show, A Current Affair and 60 Minutes. Pictured in 2005