Australia's first celebrity TV doctor has passed away aged 95
Australia’s first celebrity TV doctor, Dr James Wright has sadly passed away.
It is believed that the healthcare professional and media personality died peacefully in his sleep. Dr Wright was affectionately dubbed “Merry Medic Dr James Wright” as he was admired by many Australians.
"Mum lived to 100, so I plan to live to 110," he said in a previous interview with 9News. "That's the plan. I might revise it later on."
Sadly, he didn't quite make it to 110, with the famed doctor dying two weeks shy of his 95th birthday.
Dr Weight is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. His family are yet to release a statement, but tributes have started pouring in on social media.
Radio host Ben Fordham was among the first to pay tribute, followed by entertainment journalist Peter Ford, who expressed condolences via Twitter.
Dr Wright was loved by his viewers all throughout his journey. From his younger days in the Depression era, to his early years as a doctor. He embarked on quite the impressive media career despite claiming he "has the worst voice in the world".
In 1972, he appeared on Channel Nine's The Mike Walsh Show, then on Midday with Ray Martin and Midday with Kerri-Anne.
He then pivoted to radio where he made a name for himself on 2GB and the 2UE, presenting two-hour weekly programs.
"He cared about old people, he cared about people who were perhaps forgotten by other doctors or the rest of society. He put his money where his mouth was," Ray Martin told 9News.
On top of his TV cameos and radio hosting gigs, Wright also wrote countless columns. He contributed to a number of Australia publications including the likes of The Sunday Telegraph, The Australian Women's Weekly, Woman's Day and teen title Dolly and more, where he gave thoughtful and expert medical advice.
However, Dr Wright’s life wasn't without his own health battles having fought throat cancer back in 2012. He was lucky enough to experience remission but was left heart-broken when his wife Noreen died in her sleep that same night.
Ultimately, Dr Wright died from bowel cancer but remained positive and fought to the best of his abilities to the very end.
He will be sorely missed by the nation and his family alike.
Image: Twitter